In 1863, the first U.S. wartime draft sparked four days of violent rioting
The streets of New York City turned into a literal battlefield in 1863 as anger over the first federal conscription act ignited the deadliest civil insurrection in American history.
The 1863 New York City Draft Riots began as a protest against the Enrollment Act, which required men to fight in the Civil War. Public fury peaked because wealthy citizens could pay a 300 dollar fee to avoid service, a sum far beyond the reach of the working class.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz