The Selective Service Act was created in May of 1917, and it allowed the American army to grow. Men were forced to join the war because of the low enlistment rate. This act brought in more soldiers willing to fight in the small force. If you were a man not currently attending college between the ages 21-30 you were obligated to the enter the war. Many avoided the war by getting married, having children, moving to a different state, leaving the country, or attending college. Many soldiers also avoided the war if they had a medical issue or if they had a family member who had a high social status. The troops during the time of the war did not treat different races equally. Every man who was drafted was segregated by race. Women served a more important role than you realize when it came to the war. Although they could not fight, they were nurses and healed the injured. The draft was important because American forces were small, and with the draft in place, more soldiers could fight for the war effort.