Draft Riots

The Draft Riots of 1863 were violent protests in New York City triggered by widespread opposition to the Union Army draft during the American Civil War. Many working-class and immigrant residents believed the draft was unfair, especially since the wealthy could pay for substitutes. The riots involved destruction, attacks on African Americans and abolitionists, and significant violence over several days. They reflected deep social tensions, racial resentments, and economic grievances. Ultimately, federal troops suppressed the disturbances, highlighting the intense societal conflicts during the war era.