The appraised North- the place where freedom and opportunity looked so promising, the place to escape from the dehumanization of slavery and the place to have a chance of becoming a citizen, all was a misconception. The reaction the war and the amount of upheaval give a glimpse as to the amount of economic problems the inhabitants of New York City underwent. These circumstances were explained by Iver Bernstein in his book The New York City Draft Riots as well as the Virtual New York website on “Draft Riots.” Both of these sources discuss the anarchy that took place during that time period as a result of Draft.
Political and economical hardships were the main focus Bernstein’s description on the reaction that sparked concern for citizens before and during the war, and as a result of the draft. He explains that while one group was being undermined and mistreated, the other minority of wealthy were the ones attaining many benefits. Not only that, but he explains that in an economically deprived city competition was the only means of survival especially for the poor. He explains, “groups began to debate how they could best impose order on a city and a nation ravaged by competition, abruptly changing markers, and rampant individualism.” These were major concerns and sparks to the riots.
Taking a different approach, the Virtual New York website got more in depth with the subject matter. To understand the New York City area during that time, learning about the things the individuals went through is key. The website explains African Americans during that time as well as the Irish immigrants. Explicit about their competition for un-skilled labor work as well as their anger to the war, which had weakened their economy making it harder for their survival. The website explains the Republican Party in New York City and their control over the financial state of NYC. It explained the fact that the wealthy had higher living standards and some were not selected to draft because they had the income to pay their way out. They talk about how hard it was for African Americans, who were exiled from the communities, mobbed, burned, and some even lynched. The website was way more concise, my only complaint would be for all of it good reading material it needs some type of footage, or music to liven it up.