What was the purpose of the Conscription Act of 1863?

The Conscription Act of 1863 was designed to address the urgent need for more soldiers in the Union army during the Civil War. As the war progressed, the number of volunteers was declining, and the Union faced significant manpower shortages. The act required all eligible men between the ages of 20 and 45 to register for the draft, thus creating a formal system for conscription. This measure was crucial for maintaining and increasing troop levels, allowing the Union to fill its ranks with necessary personnel to continue the fight against the Confederacy. It marked a significant shift in U.S. military policy from reliance on volunteers to mandatory service, highlighting the severe demands of wartime conditions.