March 1863 - The First Conscription Act and Draft Riots
Because of recruiting difficulties, an act was passed making all men between the ages of 20 and 45 liable to be called for military service. Service could be avoided by paying a fee or finding a substitute. The act was seen as unfair to the poor, and riots in working-class sections of New York City broke out in protest a few months later in July. A similar conscription act in the South provoked a similar reaction. (NC Civic Education Consortium)