Draft Dilemmas
The Enrollment Act of 1863 marks a significant shift in the Union's approach to maintaining troop levels, conscripting men aged 20 to 45 while attempting to balance burdens across congressional districts. However, perceptions of unfairness arise, particularly among Democratic districts, leading to political outcry. With exemptions and even self-mutilation tactics emerging, the lengths to which some will go to avoid the draft reveal the desperation and complexity of wartime choices.In this clip
From this podcast
History That Doesn't Suck
58: Conscription & Riots (“A Rich Man’s War, But a Poor Man’s Fight”)
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