Levy en masse refers to a method or process of mass conscription or mobilization of a nation's population for military service or other collective activities during times of crisis, particularly in times of war. The phrase is typically used to describe a government's action of enlisting a large number of citizens, often men of fighting age, to serve in the armed forces or support the war effort.
The term "levy" denotes the act of imposing or collecting something, and in this context, it refers to the call for individuals to serve in a collective manner. "En masse" is a French phrase that translates to "in mass" or "as a whole," emphasizing the large-scale nature of the mobilization.
A levy en masse is commonly characterized by compulsory military service where individuals are legally obligated to serve in the armed forces or contribute to the national defense in some capacity. This can include duties such as active combat, logistics support, construction, or other essential activities required to sustain a military campaign.
Historically, levy en masse has been employed by nations facing immediate threats to their security or survival, allowing them to rapidly bolster their military forces by tapping into their civilian population. Notable examples of levy en masse include the mobilizations during the World Wars, where millions of individuals were drafted into service to meet the demands of total warfare.
Overall, levy en masse refers to a government's action of enlisting a significant portion of its population in a collective effort, specifically during times of crisis or war, primarily for military purposes.
