The New York City draft riots were a large-scale civil disturbance that broke out in response to the enactment of the Enrollment Act, which established a draft for the Union Army amidst the American Civil War. Many working-class white men protested against the draft, perceiving it as disproportionately affecting the poor while allowing wealthier individuals to pay for substitutes. This sense of injustice was heightened by the ongoing racial tensions in the city, as many white working-class citizens feared that black laborers would compete for their jobs, especially during wartime. On July 13, 1863, the riots commenced, with mobs initially targeting draft offices but soon expanding their violence to African American neighborhoods, resulting in numerous deaths and widespread destruction of property.

The unrest lasted for three days, resulting in the burning of several buildings and attacks on black citizens, forcing law enforcement and militia troops to intervene. The violence was particularly brutal, as rioters lynched black individuals, destroyed homes, and burned institutions like the Colored Orphan Asylum. The rioting showcased the deep divides in New York society, revealing significant social and racial tensions. Ultimately, the riots led to over 100 deaths and hundreds more injuries, significantly impacting city life and law enforcement's approach to civil disorder.

The events prompted governmental reflection on the draft policy and fueled further discussions on civil rights for African Americans, especially during a time when their status and treatment were hotly debated. Although the violence subsided with military intervention, the draft riots illustrated the profound socioeconomic and racial fractures within American society at the time.