The New York Draft Riots of 1863: When Things Went From "Draft Day" to "Dodgeball with Bricks"
The year is 1863. The American Civil War is raging on, and let's be honest, things are not going swimmingly for the Union. Morale is lower than a toddler's sock in a washing machine, and soldiers are about as scarce as hen's teeth. Enter Uncle Sam, with a brand new solution (that some might say was dreamt up by a particularly enthusiastic bingo caller): the draft.
But wait! There's a twist! For the princely sum of $300, any lucky fella could buy his way out of soldiery and stay home to, you know, not get shot at. This perk, however, was reserved exclusively for the well-heeled. Imagine the working class reaction to this news. It was basically like being told they had to fight a dragon while everyone else got to stay home and sip tea. Enter: The New York Draft Riots.
From Draft Dodgers to Dodgeball Enthusiasts (with Bricks)
July 13th, 1863: The draft starts, and let's just say, things get chippy faster than a squirrel at a nut convention. A mob, mostly made up of Irish immigrants and disgruntled working-class folks, decided that the draft was a giant bucket of nope. They descended upon the draft headquarters like a particularly angry flash mob, throwing bricks with more enthusiasm than a toddler chucking peas at the dinner table.
The riot spiraled out of control faster than a greased pig in a petting zoo. Buildings were set on fire, businesses were looted, and anyone unlucky enough to be wearing a fancy hat was in for a rough day. But here's the kicker: The mob wasn't just angry about the draft. They were also simmering with resentment towards free Black people who, thanks to the Emancipation Proclamation, were now seen as competition for jobs. This ugly prejudice turned violent, and many Black New Yorkers were targeted in the riots.
The Riot That Wouldn't Die (But Eventually Did, Thankfully)
For four long days, New York City descended into chaos. The police force was about as useful as a chocolate teapot, and it took the arrival of battle-hardened Union troops fresh from Gettysburg to finally quell the riot. By the time the smoke cleared, hundreds were dead, buildings were smoldering ruins, and the city was left with a hefty bill for all the, ahem, "entertainment."
So, What Did We Learn?
Probably not to have a draft system with giant loopholes. Also, violence is never the answer (though it does make for a heck of a story).
FAQ: Draft Riot Edition (How to Not Repeat History)
How to avoid a riot? Well, maybe don't make people fight a war they don't believe in, and also, try to treat everyone fairly. Seems like a good start.
How to deal with a draft? This is a tricky one. But hey, if you do get drafted, try to channel your inner Rocky and make the best of it.
How to throw a mean dodgeball (with regular balls, please)? Practice, my friend, practice. But remember, dodgeball is a game, not a riot.
How to get along with people who are different from you? Open-mindedness and a healthy dose of empathy go a long way.
How to learn more about the New York Draft Riots? Crack open a history book or fire up your favorite search engine! There's a whole world of knowledge out there, fascinating and way less riot-y.
