Social Movements & Civil Rights

New York City Draft Riots Erupt

The New York City draft riots began as a violent reaction to the federal draft law, which mandated military service in the Civil War. Enraged by the inequity perceived in the draft and fueled by racial tensions, working-class citizens took to the streets of Manhattan. Over the course of three days, rioters targeted government buildings, the homes of wealthy citizens, and black neighborhoods. The riots culminated in widespread destruction, with numerous casualties reported, leading to a significant disruption of public order and safety.

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