Background
In the midst of the Civil War, the infamous and violent draft riots of New York brought added turmoil to the state. As the Union already had their backs pressed against the wall with Confederate troops invading northern territories, the draft riots created panic and division on the home front. The riots stemmed from growing frustration with the recently passed Conscription Act of 1863. Support of the war was waning as citizens feared losing their lives as battles became more frequent and violent. The riots of New York lasted through the week of July 13th, 1863 and eventually were quelled by army reinforcements.
Past historians writing on the draft riots have described the event as a pivotal moment for the North, within the Civil War. Iver Bernstein, a historian professor at Washington University in St. Louis, in his book The New York City Draft Riots: Their Significance for American Society and Politics in the Age of the Civil War, describes the riots as an event of urban violence and a moment of political crisis within New York City.[1] New York was on the verge of rebellion and the draft riots were the start of said rebellion. “What was a mere mob, continued for three days, employed in riot, arson and blood-shed, would have been a revolution, and we should have had to fight with the elements of rebellion here upon our own soil, as well as at the South.”[2] Bernstein emphasizes the riot as an event that shakes the structure of northern states and in the end opens up the door to political and social change in New York.
Toby Joyce, an Irish historian, describes the draft riots as an event in which political power of the federal government was challenged. While the Republican Party controlled the government at the federal level, Joyce is adamant in describing Democrats as the “natural” party of New York.[1] Joyce states the city’s lower class, during the 1850’s and 60’s, was becoming increasingly more alienated from federal and city power structures. The draft alienated the vulnerable lower class from the rest of society. Joyce lays the groundwork showing how the riots were simply an explosion of frustration at actions previously taken against lower and working class people. Past historians like Joyce and Bernstein highlight the draft riot as an event by which political and social issues were voiced within New York. While these historians have addressed political and social issues surrounding the process, the details and actual events are hardly addressed by historians.
[1] Toby, Joyce, “The New York Draft Riots of 1863: An Irish Civil War?” (History Ireland 11 (2). Wordwell Ltd)