The United States Conscription Law or National Militia Act.
- Creator(s):
- Title:
- The United States Conscription Law or National Militia Act.
- Description:
- Both the Union and Confederacy fielded volunteer armies, and they struggled to attract and retain soldiers. The Civil War was the first time in American history that conscription laws were passed. The Confederacy led the way, with legislation in April 1862. In March 1863, the Enrollment Act (seen here in pamphlet form) gave President Lincoln authorization to require every white male citizen and every immigrant who had applied for citizenship who was between the ages of 20 and 45 to register for the draft. Free Black men were not required to enroll in the draft because they were not considered citizens. Those wanting to avoid service could provide a substitute or pay a commutation fee (equivalent to $6,500 today). Despite these conscription laws, both the Union and Confederate armies continued to rely mostly upon volunteers.
- Source:
- Photograph by Vincent Dilio. Courtesy of David M. Rubenstein.
- Citation:
- The United States Conscription Law or National Militia Act. New York: James W. Fortune, 1863.