key term - Draft (conscription)

Definition

The draft, or conscription, is a government policy that mandates compulsory enlistment of individuals into the armed forces. During the Civil War, both the Union and Confederate governments implemented drafts to meet the growing need for soldiers, reflecting the intense demands of prolonged military conflict and the struggle to maintain troop levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first federal draft in U.S. history was enacted by the Union in 1863 through the Enrollment Act, which required men aged 20 to 45 to register.
2. The Confederate States also instituted their own draft in 1862 to counter manpower shortages, which included provisions for substitutes and exemptions.
3. Draft riots erupted in several cities, most notably in New York City in July 1863, where opposition to conscription and resentment toward wealth disparities led to violent protests.
4. Both sides faced significant public backlash against conscription, leading to questions about civil liberties and government authority during wartime.
5. The implementation of drafts played a crucial role in shaping public opinion about the war and highlighted social inequalities that emerged during the conflict.

Review Questions

• How did the implementation of the draft reflect societal attitudes and challenges during the Civil War?
  • The draft highlighted the desperation of both the Union and Confederate governments to maintain adequate troop levels amid heavy casualties. It also brought underlying societal tensions to the surface, such as class disparities, as wealthier individuals could often evade service through exemptions or substitutions. This created resentment among poorer citizens, leading to protests and riots that underscored divisions within society and challenged perceptions of patriotism and duty.
• Discuss the implications of draft exemptions and substitutions on social equity during the Civil War.
  • Draft exemptions and substitutions led to significant social inequities during the Civil War, as they allowed wealthier citizens to avoid service while poorer individuals were compelled to fight. This disparity fueled resentment among those who felt that patriotism was being exploited by those with means, creating divisions within communities. The resulting unrest was evident in events like the New York Draft Riots, where frustrations over class privilege became manifest in violent confrontations.
• Evaluate how conscription influenced the political landscape in both the Union and Confederacy throughout the Civil War.
  • Conscription had profound effects on the political landscape of both the Union and Confederacy. It forced governments to grapple with issues of civil liberties versus national security, leading to debates about government overreach and individual rights. In addition, widespread opposition to drafts created political factions within both societies, with leaders having to balance military needs against public dissent. Ultimately, how each side handled conscription shaped their respective war efforts and had lasting implications on post-war governance and civil-military relations.

Related terms

Militia Act: A law passed by Congress in 1862 that allowed for the call-up of state militia forces for federal service, expanding the pool of available soldiers during the Civil War.

Substitution: A practice during the Civil War where drafted individuals could pay a fee or find someone to serve in their place, which often led to criticism of the draft as favoring the wealthy.

Exemptions: Certain categories of individuals, such as specific government officials or those with physical disabilities, who were exempt from being drafted during the Civil War.