During the American Civil War, both the Union and the Confederacy implemented draft laws to bolster their armies. The Union introduced the Enrollment Act of 1863, which mandated military service for eligible men, allowing for conscription and the option to pay for substitutes. Similarly, the Confederacy enacted its Conscription Act in 1862, requiring able-bodied men to serve, with exemptions for certain groups, including those who owned a specified number of slaves. These drafts faced significant resistance and led to protests in various regions, notably the New York City Draft Riots in 1863.
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