The Draft Riots of 1863, also known as the New York City Draft Riots, was a series of violent protests in New York City in July 1863. The riots resulted from widespread resentment and anger towards the federal government's conscription (Forced by law) of men into the Union Army during the American Civil War. The riots are considered one of American history's deadliest and most violent civil disturbances. In the early years of the Civil War, the Union Army relied on voluntary enlistments to fill its ranks. However, as the war dragged on and casualties mounted, it became clear that more troops were needed.  In 1863, Congress passed the Conscription Act, which mandated the drafting of men between the ages of 20 and 45 for military service. The law was deeply unpopular in New York City, which had a large working-class population and many Irish immigrants. The draft was scheduled to begin on July 13, 1863, and tensions began to rise in the days leading up to it. On July 11, a group