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Gettysburg was undoubtedly a victory for the Union. Nonetheless, it was a costly victory. Thousands of Union soldiers were eliminated from the war. What's more, it did not end the war. Lee escaped to extend the war. With the troops diminished, Lincoln needed a way to replenish the ranks. Lincoln turned to new immigrants, particularly from Ireland. These Irish were still reeling from the 1848 potato famine. They were fleeing from the Irish Civil Wars over religion; and they were attracted to the promises of land that America offered. These immigrants were being drafted upon arrival.
Watch the Irish get drafted right off the boat and sent to the battlefield, as they watch the bodies of their countrymen returned from the battlefield:
gangs.mp4On July 11, the Irish decided to protest the draft in New York City. They were particularly angry that wealthy people could "buy" their way out of the draft by paying the goverment $300.
They came together in New York and staged a riot in protest of the draft.
DECISION: What do you do about the Draft Rioters/Dodgers on July 11? Do you understand their plight and allow them to exempt the draft, or do you use force to compel them to enlist?
Click here to see what the Union Leadership did.
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