The Great New York Draft Riot of 1863: When Baseball Fans Went Berserk (Kind Of)
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of... and apparently, where riots break out over getting drafted to fight in a civil war. Buckle up, history buffs (and those who enjoy a good chuckle), because we're diving headfirst into the bizarre events of the Draft Riots of 1863.
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| What Sparked The Riots In New York City In July 1863 Quizlet |
Why the Heck Did This Happen?
The year is 1863. The American Civil War is in full swing, and let's just say things aren't exactly going swimmingly for the Union (the North). In a desperate attempt to bolster their troops, the government institutes a draft. This means if your name gets picked out of a hat (well, a giant metal wheel, but you get the idea), you're off to fight the Confederates (the South).
Here's the kicker: money can buy you out of the draft. That's right, folks, the ultimate participation trophy came with a hefty price tag. This rubbed a certain segment of the population the wrong way, particularly the working class who couldn't exactly afford to avoid a bullet to the behind.
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"Draft Dodgers" vs. The "Real Men" - The Rivalry Gets Real
Now, sprinkle in some anti-immigrant sentiment (because apparently, even back then people loved pointing fingers), a healthy dose of civil unrest, and the fact that many New Yorkers at the time were more interested in the National Baseball League's first-ever season (yes, really) than the war, and you've got a recipe for riotous disaster.
The draft riots lasted for a whole week, with mobs roaming the streets, burning buildings, and attacking anyone remotely associated with the draft. It even led to the deadliest week in New York City history (yikes!). Talk about taking "take me out to the ball game" a bit too literally.
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Wait, There's More? Fun Facts About the Draft Riots (Because Why Not?)
- You wouldn't believe the crazy stuff people tried to avoid the draft. We're talking stuffing yourself with potatoes to appear unfit (apparently, it doesn't work), self-mutilation (ouch!), and even hiring draft dodgers (the original freelancers?).
- The riots actually delayed a major baseball game between the Excelsiors and the Atlantics. Can you imagine the disappointment? "Darn it all, there goes my chance to see Pete "The Hammer" Jones hit a dinger!"
- Thankfully, the riots eventually fizzled out, but they left a lasting scar on the city and served as a stark reminder of the war's immense social and economic cost.
So, there you have it. The Draft Riots of 1863: a wacky mix of frustration, patriotism (of a sort), and a surprising love for America's favorite pastime.
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Draft Riot FAQ
How to avoid getting drafted in 1863? (Try at your own peril!):
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- Become a crucial member of society: Bakers, blacksmiths, and other skilled workers were exempt. Sorry, influencers, that wasn't a thing yet.
- Pay the commutation fee: Basically, bribe your way out. Just make sure you have enough dough (pun intended).
- Fake an illness: Though stuffing yourself with potatoes probably wasn't the best strategy.
- Flee the country: Adios, amigos! Just don't get caught.
How long did the Draft Riots last? A whole week! Imagine the chaos.
What was the deadliest week in NYC history? The week of the Draft Riots. Not exactly a banner year for the Big Apple.
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Were there any baseball games during the Draft Riots? Yes, and they even got delayed. Those poor baseball fans just couldn't catch a break!
What can we learn from the Draft Riots? That war is a terrible thing, and people get pretty darn desperate when faced with the prospect of getting shot at. Let's just try to settle our differences peacefully, shall we?
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