New York Draft Riots facts for kids

The New York Draft Riots were a series of violent events that took place in New York City from July 13 to 16, 1863. People at the time called this period Draft Week. These riots happened because many people were very angry with President Lincoln and new laws about joining the army.

At first, people just wanted to protest the new draft law. This law meant that men had to join the army, even if they didn't want to. But the protests quickly turned very violent. They became a terrible attack against black people, with many being hurt or killed in the streets.

Major General John E. Wool said on July 16 that he wanted to declare military rule. However, he didn't have enough soldiers to control the situation. The military eventually stopped the angry crowds using force. But by then, the rioters had already destroyed many buildings. This included homes and even an orphanage for black children.

Why the Riots Started

The main reason for the New York Draft Riots was a new law called the Enrollment Act of 1863. This law allowed the government to force men to join the Union Army during the American Civil War. This is also known as conscription or the "draft."

The Draft Law and Its Problems

The draft law said that all men between 20 and 45 years old had to register for military service. However, there was a way to avoid joining the army. A person could pay $300 or find someone else to take their place. This amount of money was a lot back then, more than a year's wages for many workers.

Because of this, only rich people could afford to avoid the draft. Poor people felt that the war was becoming a "rich man's war and a poor man's fight." This made many working-class people, especially Irish immigrants, very angry. They felt it was unfair.

Fear and Racism

Many poor white workers in New York City were also worried about their jobs. They feared that if black people were freed from slavery, they would move north and compete for jobs. This fear, combined with existing racism, made black communities a target during the riots.

The Riots Begin

The riots started on Monday, July 13, 1863. The first draft lottery was held in New York City. Angry crowds quickly formed and began to protest.

First Day of Violence

The protests soon turned into violent attacks. Rioters attacked draft offices, government buildings, and homes. They also targeted businesses and homes of black people. The violence spread quickly through the city.

Targeting African Americans

The riots became a brutal attack on the city's black community. Rioters burned down the Colored Orphan Asylum, a home for black children. Luckily, all the children were safely evacuated before the building was destroyed. Many black individuals were attacked, beaten, and killed in the streets. Their homes and businesses were also destroyed.

Stopping the Riots

New York City's police force tried to stop the rioters, but they were quickly overwhelmed. The city needed help from the military.

Arrival of Troops

Most of the Union Army soldiers were fighting in the Civil War. However, after the Battle of Gettysburg, some troops were sent back to New York City. These soldiers, including some battle-hardened veterans, arrived to help restore order.

Restoring Order

The soldiers used force to break up the crowds. They fired cannons and rifles at the rioters. This led to many deaths and injuries among the rioters. By July 16, the military had largely brought the city back under control.

Aftermath of the Riots

The New York Draft Riots were one of the largest and most violent civil disturbances in American history. They showed deep divisions in society during the Civil War.

Casualties and Damage

More than 100 people died during the riots, though the exact number is debated. Thousands more were injured. Many buildings were destroyed or damaged, causing millions of dollars in losses.

Impact on the Draft

Even though the riots were crushed, they did not stop the draft. The government continued to draft men into the army. However, the riots highlighted the strong opposition to the draft among some parts of the population.

Racial Tensions

The riots also showed the extreme racial tensions that existed in New York City. The attacks on black communities left a lasting impact. Many black residents left the city, and those who remained faced continued discrimination.

Images for kids

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  Recruiting poster for the Enrollment Act, or Civil War Military Draft Act, in New York City on June 23, 1863.

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  John Alexander Kennedy, NYC police superintendent from 1860 to 1870.

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  Attack on the Tribune building.

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  The Colored Orphan Asylum which was burned.

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  Rioters attacking a building on Lexington Avenue.

See also

In Spanish: Draft Riots para niños