4.4 The Draft Riots and Northern Opposition to the War
4 min read•august 15, 2024
The Draft Riots of 1863 exposed deep divisions in Northern society during the Civil War. Racial tensions, class conflicts, and opposition to erupted into violence in New York City, revealing cracks in the Union's home front.
These events highlighted broader issues of dissent and resistance to the war effort across the North. Economic hardships, political disagreements, and growing war weariness fueled opposition movements that challenged Lincoln's policies and threatened Union solidarity.
New York City Draft Riots of 1863
Causes and Outbreak of the Riots
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- Enrollment Act of 1863 instituted federal draft allowing wealthy individuals to pay $300 or hire substitutes to avoid service
- Created resentment among working-class citizens who could not afford exemptions
- Economic disparities and labor competition between working-class whites and free blacks in New York City fueled racial tensions
- Riots began July 13, 1863 when mob attacked draft offices
- Quickly escalated into widespread violence targeting African Americans, wealthy New Yorkers, and symbols of Republican authority
- Rioters destroyed Colored Orphan Asylum, highlighting racial motivations behind much of the violence
Scale and Impact of the Riots
- Riots lasted four days resulting in significant property damage and numerous deaths (particularly among African Americans)
- Temporarily disrupted city services and commerce
- Federal troops called in to quell riots, including veterans from Battle of Gettysburg
- Used artillery and infantry to disperse mobs
- Aftermath led to changes in draft enforcement and increased security measures in New York City
- Prompted reassessment of racial and class tensions in Northern urban centers
Opposition to the War in the North
Political and Ideological Opposition
- () formed significant political opposition advocating immediate peace negotiations with Confederacy
- Emancipation Proclamation shifted war's focus to include ending slavery
- Controversial among some Northerners who opposed fighting for African American freedom
- Suspension of habeas corpus and other by Lincoln administration sparked concerns about government overreach
- Raised fears about erosion of democratic principles
Economic and Social Factors
- Economic hardships including inflation and disrupted trade led to growing discontent among working-class Northerners
- Class divisions exacerbated by wealthy individuals' ability to avoid military service
- Led to resentment and accusations of "rich man's war, poor man's fight"
- Immigrant communities (particularly Irish Americans) often opposed war
- Perceived discrimination and fears of economic competition from freed slaves
- War weariness and mounting casualties contributed to decline in enthusiasm for conflict
- Especially after major battles with high death tolls (Antietam, Gettysburg)
Impact of Riots on Lincoln's Policies
Policy Adjustments and Enforcement
- Draft Riots forced Lincoln administration to reassess conscription policies
- Led to more equitable enforcement and attempts to address grievances
- Intensified suppression of dissent including arrests of prominent Copperheads
- Aimed to maintain control over Northern war effort
- Highlighted need for better management of racial tensions in Northern cities
- Influenced policies on African American recruitment and integration into Union Army
Public Opinion and Propaganda
- Public support for war effort wavered after riots
- Required increased efforts to bolster morale and justify continued conflict
- Administration increased propaganda efforts to counter
- Utilized newspapers and public speakers to reinforce importance of preserving Union
- Opposition movements strengthened Democratic Party's peace platform
- Culminated in nomination of George McClellan for president in 1864
Economic Measures
- Adjusted economic policies to address financial burdens on working-class citizens
- Implemented measures to control inflation
- Provided relief to soldiers' families (increased pensions, support programs)
Race and Class in the War Effort
Racial Tensions and Violence
- Racial tensions significantly factored into opposition to draft
- Many working-class whites resented idea of fighting to free slaves who might compete for jobs
- Targeting of African Americans during Draft Riots revealed deep-seated racial animosities in Northern society
- Challenged notion of uniformly abolitionist North
- African American communities in North faced increased violence and discrimination
- Occurred despite their support for Union cause
Class Divisions and Labor Issues
- Class divisions evident in draft system with wealthy able to avoid service
- Led to accusations of unfairness and class-based discrimination
- Working-class resistance to draft often intertwined with labor issues
- Many feared emancipation would lead to influx of cheap labor from South
- Riots exposed complex intersection of race and class in Northern urban centers
- Economic competition often exacerbated racial hostilities
Regional and Demographic Variations
- Response to draft highlighted regional differences within North
- Rural areas often showed different patterns of support or opposition compared to urban centers
- Immigrant communities (Irish, German) had varying responses to war effort
- Some strongly opposed, others (especially Germans) supportive of Union cause
Key Terms to Review (18)
Abraham Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He is best known for leading the nation during the Civil War and for his efforts to end slavery, which were pivotal in shaping the course of American history during a time of intense national conflict and change.
Anti-war sentiment: Anti-war sentiment refers to the opposition to a specific war or wars, typically characterized by public protests, political activism, and vocal criticism of government policies. This feeling was particularly pronounced during the Civil War era, where Northern citizens questioned the necessity and morality of the conflict, leading to significant civil unrest and demonstrations against the war efforts.
Changes in Draft Laws: Changes in draft laws refer to the modifications made to military conscription policies during the Civil War, specifically in the North, as the demand for troops escalated. These changes, including the introduction of a draft and provisions for exemptions, sparked significant dissent among various segments of the population, highlighting divisions related to class and race. As a result, these laws played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and opposition to the war.
Civil liberties: Civil liberties are fundamental rights and freedoms that protect individuals from government overreach and ensure the protection of personal freedoms. These liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, became a major point of contention during times of crisis, particularly during conflicts when governments might infringe on these rights in the name of security or order.
Congressional Reconstruction: Congressional Reconstruction refers to the period after the Civil War when Congress took control of the Reconstruction process, implementing a series of laws and amendments aimed at rebuilding the South and ensuring civil rights for freed slaves. This era, spanning from 1866 to 1877, was characterized by significant political conflict between Congress and President Andrew Johnson, as well as the establishment of military districts in the South to oversee the integration of formerly Confederate states into the Union.
Conscription: Conscription is the compulsory enlistment of individuals into military service, often enacted during times of war. In the context of the Civil War, it became a contentious issue in the North, where the government sought to maintain troop levels amid growing casualties and resistance to the war effort. The implementation of conscription led to significant unrest and opposition among various social groups, reflecting broader tensions regarding civil rights and government authority.
Copperheads: Copperheads were a faction of Northern Democrats during the Civil War who opposed the war and advocated for an immediate peace settlement with the Confederacy. Their name was derived from the venomous snake, symbolizing their perceived treachery against the Union cause. Copperheads were vocal critics of President Abraham Lincoln's policies, including the draft and military actions, which they believed unnecessarily prolonged the conflict and led to needless suffering.
Draft resistance: Draft resistance refers to the active opposition by individuals or groups to conscription or military drafts, particularly during the Civil War. This term is closely tied to the social and political unrest that arose in the North as many citizens protested against being forced to fight in a war they did not support, contributing to larger tensions and conflicts within the society.
Economic hardship: Economic hardship refers to a condition of financial distress characterized by a lack of resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This term is crucial for understanding the social and political tensions that arose during conflicts, particularly in relation to the draft and the resulting opposition to war efforts.
Freedom of speech: Freedom of speech is the right to express opinions and ideas without fear of government censorship or punishment. This fundamental right is crucial in a democratic society, as it allows for open dialogue and dissent, which can lead to social change. During times of conflict, such as war, the balance between national security and individual liberties often comes into question, highlighting the tensions that can arise when free expression is challenged.
Horatio Seymour: Horatio Seymour was an American politician and the Democratic governor of New York during the Civil War. He is notably recognized for his opposition to the draft implemented by the Union government, which contributed to the unrest and violence seen during the Draft Riots in 1863. His political stance reflects the broader Northern resistance to the war and its policies, particularly among Democrats who were critical of Lincoln's administration and the conscription laws.
Increased Military Presence: Increased military presence refers to the deployment of additional troops, resources, and equipment in a specific area to maintain order, enforce laws, or respond to civil unrest. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of heightened tensions during the Civil War, as it reflects the government's efforts to control dissent and opposition to the war effort, particularly amid events like the Draft Riots.
Irish immigrants: Irish immigrants were individuals who left Ireland, particularly during the mid-19th century, to seek better opportunities in America. This wave of migration was largely driven by the Great Famine (1845-1852) that devastated Ireland, leading many to flee in search of work and a new life. Their arrival in the United States significantly impacted American society, especially during times of conflict, including the Civil War.
Military Reconstruction Act: The Military Reconstruction Act was a significant piece of legislation enacted by Congress in 1867 that aimed to reorganize the southern states after the Civil War. This act divided the South into five military districts governed by Union generals, which aimed to enforce order and ensure the rights of newly freed African Americans. It was a pivotal move during the Reconstruction era, as it not only sought to restore civil government but also faced intense opposition from various factions in the North.
New York City Draft Riots: The New York City Draft Riots were violent disturbances that erupted in July 1863, primarily in response to the implementation of the military draft during the Civil War. These riots were fueled by a combination of anger towards the draft itself, perceived inequities in the draft system, and rising racial tensions, leading to widespread chaos and destruction in Manhattan over several days.
Northern Democrats: Northern Democrats were members of the Democratic Party in the northern states during the Civil War, who often opposed the war or criticized the way it was being conducted. They believed in a negotiated peace with the Confederacy and were generally more sympathetic to the South than their Republican counterparts, which put them at odds with the Lincoln administration. Their views contributed to significant political dissent and unrest in the North during this tumultuous period.
Peace Democrats: Peace Democrats were a faction of the Democratic Party during the Civil War who opposed the war and advocated for an immediate peace settlement with the Confederacy. They were critical of President Lincoln's policies, particularly the draft and the escalating violence of the conflict, believing that negotiation was a better alternative to continued bloodshed. Their influence grew during the war, especially as public sentiment turned against the conflict, leading to increased tensions in Northern society.
Working-class men: Working-class men were primarily industrial laborers and urban workers who played a crucial role in the economy during the mid-19th century, especially amid the social and economic upheaval brought about by the Civil War. Their positions often reflected their struggles with poor working conditions, low wages, and limited rights, contributing to significant tensions during this period, particularly regarding conscription and labor rights.