Military Service Law

Germany [1935]

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June 30, 2026

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In 1935, Germany, under Adolf Hitler, defied the Treaty of Versailles by enacting the Military Service Law. This law introduced universal military service, requiring every 18-year-old male to join a six-month labor service corps, followed by a two-year military term at age 19. After completing their service, individuals entered active reserves until age 35. This rearmament program was a key part of Germany's preparation for war, diverting national resources towards building a powerful military force, and contributed to a shift from mass unemployment to a labor shortage.12

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…defied this restriction through the Military Service Law of 1935, which introduced universal military service. Under this law, every boy at age 18 joined a labour service corps for six months, and he entered a two-year term in the military at age 19. After the two years he was transferred…
Read More
…defied this restriction through the Military Service Law of 1935, which introduced universal military service. Under this law, every boy at age 18 joined a labour service corps for six months, and he entered a two-year term in the military at age 19. After the two years he was transferred…
Read More