AP Success - AP US History: 1863 Conscription Act & Civil War
Conscription Act of 1863. United States Senate."A persistent challenge during the Civil War was the low number of men volunteering to serve in the Union army. Senator Henry Wilson, chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, sponsored the Conscription Act of 1863, which established the first national draft system and required registration by every male citizen and immigrant who had applied for citizenship between the ages of 20 and 45. The New York Times called the Conscription Act “the condition of victory,” but many people criticized the law because it provided an exemption for those who could pay a $300 fee. Some critics argued that the law punished the poor, while others insisted that it interfered with states’ rights, since state-based militias had fought in previous wars. However, even with such conscription laws, both the Union and Confederate armies continued to rely mostly upon volunteers."
Question 1
What was the primary reason for the introduction of the Conscription Act of 1863?
The low number of men volunteering to serve in the Union army.
The desire to grant citizenship to immigrant soldiers.
The intention to replace state militias with a national army.
The need to raise funds for the Union war effort.
Question 2
Who was responsible for sponsoring the Conscription Act of 1863?
Senator Henry Wilson, chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs.
President Abraham Lincoln as part of his war powers.
Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton for administrative purposes.
General Ulysses S. Grant to bolster his forces.
Question 3
Which group was targeted by the Conscription Act of 1863 for military draft registration?
Every male citizen and immigrant who had applied for citizenship between the ages of 20 and 45.
All male citizens without regard to age.
All male citizens between the ages of 18 and 35.
Male citizens and non-citizen residents over the age of 18.
Question 4
What aspect of the Conscription Act of 1863 was criticized for punishing the poor?
The provision that allowed an exemption for those who could pay a $300 fee.
The requirement to serve for a minimum of three years.
The inclusion of immigrants in the draft.
The lack of proper training provided to conscripted soldiers.
Question 5
Despite the implementation of the Conscription Act, what did both the Union and Confederate armies primarily rely on for recruitment?
Volunteers.
Foreign mercenaries.
Compulsory service of prisoners.
Drafts from the state militias.
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