The Union draft, implemented in 1863 through the Enrollment Act, required able-bodied men aged 20 to 45 to register for military service, allowing for exemptions through payment or hiring substitutes. In contrast, the Confederate draft, initiated in 1862, mandated service for white men aged 18 to 35, later expanded to include those up to 50, and allowed wealthier individuals to avoid service by paying a fee or providing substitutes. Both drafts faced significant opposition and resistance, but the Confederate draft was more stringent due to the South's desperate manpower needs. Ultimately, the Union's draft system was more flexible, reflecting its larger population and resources.
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