What was a cause of opposition to the war in both the North and the Sout?

History · Middle School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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Opposition to the Civil War existed in both the North and the South, and several factors contributed to this dissent. Some common causes of opposition to the war included:


1. Draft Riots and Conscription: The implementation of the draft, or conscription, was met with resistance in both the North and the South. In the North, the New York City draft riots of 1863 were particularly notable, reflecting discontent and opposition to the draft.

2. Economic Grievances: Some individuals, especially in working-class communities, opposed the war due to economic grievances. They believed that the conflict disproportionately benefited the wealthy and that the draft unfairly targeted the less affluent.

3. Anti-War Democrats (Copperheads): In the North, there was a faction of Democrats known as "Copperheads" who opposed the war. They were critical of President Abraham Lincoln's administration and its policies, including the suspension of habeas corpus.

4. States' Rights and Opposition to Centralization: In both the North and the South, there were individuals who opposed what they perceived as an increasing centralization of power by the federal government. Some argued that the war was eroding the principles of states' rights.

5. Peace Democrats (Northern Democrats): Some Democrats in the North, known as Peace Democrats or "Copperheads," advocated for a negotiated peace with the Confederacy rather than continuing the war. They believed in a more conciliatory approach to end the conflict.

6. Resistance to Emancipation: While not the primary cause, opposition to the war also arose from those who resisted the Emancipation Proclamation and the broader goals of ending slavery. This sentiment was more prevalent in the border states, where slavery was still legal but those states remained in the Union.