Divergent Destinies

"In the spring of 1861, a pivotal moment unfolded as US Army recruiters embarked on a quest to enlist able-bodied men for the Civil War effort. US.Army recruiters set out on a mission, going from house to house in search of able bodied men aged between 20 and 45.While some men could obtain exemptions based on physical limitations or family circumstances, there was also an option available to those who could afford it.

By paying a hefty sum of $300 in cash,an individual could designate a substitute to take their place and join the war effort on their behalf.However, this system of substitution sparked a sense of discontent among the less fortunate,particularly the immigrant Irish population.They perceived it as a class struggle with the burden of fighting, falling disproportionately on the backs of white individuals, all in the name of advancing the cause of African Americans, who were commonly referred to as Negroes at the time.This socioeconomic divide was fueled by the fact that only the wealthy had access to such significant amount of ready cash.

The Irish, predominantly from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, felt that they were being unfairly targeted and exploited,viewing this situation as a manifestation of the class war within the country."