Waterloo, Iowa -- On February 16, 1863, The U. S. Senate passes the Conscription Act, requiring all men between the ages of 20-45 to register to become eligible for a draft. President Lincoln signed the bill on March 3.

Two long, hard years into the Civil War, both sides were pressed to find able-bodied men to continue the fight. Although many residents of the Union were against slavery in principle, they were reluctant to put their own lives on the line for the cause of freedom. Not all of the new Confederacy's citizens were enthusiastic supporters of the war, either.

The Confederacy began drafting men in April, 1862. The Union was able to hold out for almost a year longer, but eventually they, too, were forced to institute a draft. The result was the Enrollment Act of Conscription.

This legislation was signed into law by President Lincoln on March 3, 1863. Single male citizens aged 20 to 45, and married men age 20-35 were required to enroll, but they were allowed to escape service by paying $300 or providing an acceptable substitute. Needless to say, this allowed wealthy individuals an out, but fell heavily upon the shoulders of the poor. Blacks, who were not yet considered American citizens, were exempt from the draft.

The first draft lottery in New York City was held on July 11th. On July 13th, immigrant workers and other poor whites rioted, physically attacking African-Americans and anyone who tried to protect them. Rioters burned houses, businesses and even a black orphanage. Miraculously, none of the children were harmed.

By the end of the riots five days later, 11 men had been lynched, and thousands of African-Americans had fled the city, never to return.

Courtesy WCFCourier.com.