How do medieval levies differ from modern conscription?

by [deleted]
Athena_Nikephoros

Basically, a lord in feudal Europe was responsible for bringing men from his own fief, the tenants who rented (directly or indirectly) from him. The lord would personally lead his levy, and when the fighting was over they would go back to their farms. In modern conscription people are generally drafted by a central government, and they do not serve with their neighbors.