What sparked the riot in New York City in 1863?
History · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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The riot that took place in New York City in 1863 is known as the New York City Draft Riots. The primary spark for the riot was the enforcement of the Conscription Act, which was passed by the United States Congress in March 1863. This act authorized the federal government to draft men into the army for the Civil War, which was in its third year at the time. Many working-class New Yorkers, particularly Irish immigrants, were extremely displeased with the draft for two main reasons.