Question

what did nations do to increase the size of their armies?
they forced prisoners into their armies.
they created conscription programs.
they allowed women into their armies.
they allowed twelve-year-olds to join.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Forcing prisoners into armies was not a common or primary method to increase army size historically.
• Conscription programs (drafting eligible citizens) were widely used by nations to rapidly increase the size of their armies, especially during times of war.
• Allowing women into armies was not a primary method for increasing army size in most historical contexts related to large - scale army expansion (and was not common in many periods).
• Allowing twelve - year - olds to join is not a standard or ethical method for increasing a legitimate army's size.

Answer:

B. They created conscription programs.