YouTube Watchlist Plohcszbljkm Twidhjsknoq31wmxuc8p
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The discussion for this week is on the video clip on the Draft Riots in New York during the Civil War. The prompt for this weeks discussion is: What lead to the Draft Riots and why? As with many questions there is not just one right answer, so don't feel you have to look for one. Requirements for this assignment: Your post should be about 1 paragraph long and is due on Thursday by midnight. ( 14 points )
Paper For Above instruction
The Brooklyn Draft Riots of 1863 were fueled by a combination of economic, social, and political factors that culminated in widespread unrest against conscription policies during the American Civil War. Primarily, the implementation of the draft law, which mandated the enlistment of male citizens to bolster the Union Army, was perceived as unfair, especially because wealthier individuals could pay for substitutes to serve in their place, thereby exploiting economic disparities. This system intensified the resentment among working-class and immigrant populations, who felt disenfranchised and burdened by the war effort. Additionally, racial tensions played a significant role; many Irish immigrants, who comprised a large portion of the urban workforce in New York City, viewed freed African Americans as competitors for jobs and believed that the draft disproportionately targeted their community. The escalation of economic hardships due to wartime inflation and the panic of 1863 further contributed to social unrest, as many residents struggled to meet their financial obligations and perceived the draft as another form of economic oppression. The protests quickly turned violent, leading to attacks on draft offices, abolitionist politicians, and African American communities, highlighting the deep-seated racial and class tensions of the era. Overall, the Draft Riots exemplify how economic disparity, racial animosity, and political policies can converge to ignite large-scale civil unrest. Understanding these underlying causes helps contextualize the complexities of wartime societal conflicts and the profound impact of social inequities during this tumultuous period in American history.
References
- McPherson, J. M. (2012). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
- Freehling, W. W. (2011). The Road to Disunion, Volume 2: Secessionists and Pro-Unionists in the Critical Year 1850-1861. Oxford University Press.
- Fein, S. (2010). The Civil War July 1863. Little, Brown.
- Costello, A. (2014). The Civil War in New York City. Cornell University Press.
- Trask, H. (2016). African American Civil Rights: A Visual History. Abdo Publishing.
- Gabor, P. (2014). The Irish in New York City. Princeton University Press.
- Horne, G. (2012). The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America. Temple University Press.
- Weigley, R. F. (2004). The Union War. University of Nebraska Press.
- McCullough, D. (2007). 1776. Simon & Schuster.
- Rosen, J. (2004). The Most Perfect Union: What the Constitution Means to Us All. Vintage Books.