The poor citizens of New York City responded to the draft laws by instigating riots that lasted for four days.
They were in vehement opposition to the military draft acts that allow men from wealthy families to pay a certain amount so avoid being called into service. Also, African-Americans are not considered to be American citizens; thus, they are exempted from being called into military service. Because of this, those who can't afford to pay are called to military service leaving their families to fend for themselves during a time of uncertainty and hardship.