Draft Riots

In 1853, after volunteering had slackened, congress passed a federal conscription law for the first time on a nationwide scale in the U.S.  The dratf was especially damned in the Democratic strongholds of the North, notable in New York City. A frightful riot broke out in 1863, Know as the New York City Draft Riots of 1863, touche off largely by underprivelaged and antiblack Irish Americans, who shouted, "Down with Lincoln!" ans "Down with the draft!" For several days the city was at the mercy of a rampaging, pillaging mob. Lives were lost, and the victims included many blacks. Elsewhere in the North, conscription led to resentment and minor riots.