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The Problem Of Conscription In Maine During The Civil War, Murray Bowden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem of enforcing conscription in the Northern States during the Civil War was an exceedingly difficult one. The American people abhorred the idea of compulsory military service. The draft laws were formulated to favor the wealthy class at the expense of the poor. This aroused the wrath of the poorer classes. At first, the enforcement of the laws was left to the states, but in 1863, control was transferred to a branch of the War Department, resulting in more efficient administration. Immediately after the Conscription Act of 1863 was passed, riots broke out in Boston, New York and the …