New York Draft Riots (jul 11, 1863 – jul 16, 1863)

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The New York Draft Riots took place in 1863 and were protests and riots caused by frustration at the Conscription Act of 1863 and the ability for wealthier people to buy their way out of military service. The riots led to the use of many new inventions, such as the Gatling Gun, which was used to help deter rioters, and the Telegraph, which was used to help police coordinate with each other to suppress the protests. The outcome of the event was over 100 deaths and hundreds more injured, as well as $1.5 million in property damages (over $39 million today). This event impacted the outcome of the Civil War as it resulted in the diversion of troops to help crush the riots, as well as allowing African Americans to join the military due to violence during the riots and the support of republicans. This event was important as it allowed many African Americans to fight for the Union during the Civil War, adding new soldiers and boosting manpower, as well as demonstrating the power of the federal government exemplified in the use of the military to stop the riots.

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