New York City Draft Riots

New York City Draft Riots

Irish Immigrants * Populated slums of northeastern cities. * Were poor and prejudiced against African Americans. * The Irish in New York City rebelled against fighting on their own behalf.

New York Orphanage * July 1863 * Frowsy drunken women were burning down black Kids Orphan Asylum. * Rioting

Democratic Party * Large and powerful * Democrat Horatio Seymour despised Lincoln and his policies.

Enrollment Act of Conscription * First draftee’s names were drawn on July 11. * Contained several exemptions. * Payment of ‘‘communications fee'', it allowed wealthier and influential citizens to buy their way out of service.

Enrollment Act of Conscription * Protests occurred after Abraham Lincoln issued it. * Issued on March 3, 1863. * Most violent and publicized riots. * Shocked a population already tired of the two-year war.

Provost Officers * Lost their lives trying to enforce the draft. * Angry mobs came to draft offices and killed dozens of free African Americans. * At least 105 died in that riot. * Blamed African Americans for the War and Conscription. * Blamed African Americans for War and conscription.

Economy * Prices increased more than wages during the War. * Wartime Inflation occurred. * Workers wanted higher pay but when it didn't happen they went on strike. * Wealthier Americans could pay off their draft with $300.

African Americans * African American people were the targets during the riot. * Lynching’s and beatings occurred. * African American church and orphanage were burned to the ground.

Draft Riots * July 11-13 1863. * New York City Draft Riots were the most violent.

June 12th draft riot * Name of draftees were drawn the day before and in the newspapers that day. * Irate citizens and lots of Irish immigrants came together to protest. * 500,000 people altogether. * The mob went out to destroy neighborhoods on the East side. * Went on for 3 days.

June 12 draft riot. * More than $1.5 million in damage. * Hurt people- two dozen to 10. * Draft only raised about 150,000 troops. * Three-Fourths of them were substitutes. * Amounting in one-fifths of the total Union force. * Remained encamped in the City for several weeks.