Through The Ancestry Looking Glass

The Birth of the Draft: A Glimpse into History

_{Photo: Sample Draft Registration (https://www.sss.gov/history-and-records/draft-cards/)}

Conscription, often dubbed “the draft,” is like receiving an unexpected RSVP to join your country’s armed forces. Its roots stretch back to ancient Mesopotamia, but the modern draft really took off during the French Revolution in the 1790s. The U.S. jumped on the conscription bandwagon during the Civil War, sparking a wave of fierce draft riots. Fast forward to the Vietnam War, and resistance to the draft hit an all-time high, with the Selective Service facing a historic backlash.

Stirring the Pot!

When the United States first dabbled in military conscription during the Civil War, it was clear that manpower was in short supply. Congress decided to roll out the Civil War Military Draft Act of 1863. This act demanded all males aged 20 to 45 sign up for the draft, though, predictably, it fell hardest on those without deep pockets. Wealthier fellows could buy their way out for $300 or hire a substitute—a sum that would make even modern wallets wince.

Naturally, this sparked some serious civil unrest, leading to the infamous New York Draft Riots. Over three tumultuous days in July 1863, at least 119 people lost their lives, many of them poor Irish immigrants. These riots saw New York’s African Americans unfairly targeted, becoming scapegoats for long-simmering grievances like wartime inflation, job competition, and racial prejudice. The violence peaked with the burning of an orphanage for black children—thankfully, all 223 children managed to escape unharmed.¹

In a historic move, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Selective Services Act on May 18, 1917, prepping the U.S. for World War I with just over 100,000 troops in the standing army. By November 1918, around 24 million men had registered, with 2.8 million drafted. Fast forward to September 1940, Congress rolled out the Burke-Wadsworth Act, marking the first peacetime draft in U.S. history. Registration began a month later, with Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson dramatically drawing draft numbers from a glass bowl, then handed to President Franklin D. Roosevelt to announce.

Draft Dodgers: Not a Game of Dodgeball, But a Fiery Storm

During the Vietnam War, draft resistance hit its peak, with U.S. casualties soaring to thousands killed and over one hundred thousand wounded by late 1967. The war was draining the U.S. economy, and disillusionment spread from college campuses to the broader taxpaying public. Each month, up to 40,000 young men were drafted, while some clever escape artists dodged the draft by not registering or fleeing to Canada. According to Canadian immigration stats, up to 30,000 draft dodgers found refuge in the Great White North.²

Draft evasion was no joke, carrying hefty fines and possible jail time. Nearly 210,000 men were charged with evasion, including boxing legend Muhammad Ali, whose conviction was famously overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. In a historic move, President Jimmy Carter pardoned all Vietnam War draft dodgers in 1977, offering a collective sigh of relief.

Men in the United States still need to sign up for the draft! Almost all male U.S. citizens and immigrants between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service System.³ While the U.S. military is currently an all-volunteer force, registration is necessary for contingency planning in case a draft is needed. So, if you’re a guy in that age range, it’s time to get registered!

The Moment of Truth: Where to Unearth These Records

Historic Selective Service records can be found at several key locations:

1. National Archives: The National Archives in Washington, D.C., and its branch in St. Louis, Missouri, holds extensive military records, including Selective Service records from various conflicts.
2. Online Databases: Websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, Findmypast.com, and Fold3 offer access to draft registration records. FamilySearch is free, while the others require a subscription or library access.
3. Local Archives: Some regional archives and historical societies may also hold draft records, especially for local communities.

Why use these records in your family history research?

• Detailed Personal Information: These records often include crucial details like full names, addresses, dates of birth, physical descriptions, and occupations, providing a wealth of information about ancestors.
• Family Connections: Draft records can reveal familial relationships, such as next of kin, which helps in constructing accurate family trees and understanding family dynamics.
• Historical Context: Understanding the periods when ancestors were drafted or registered gives insight into the historical context they lived in, including the wars they were involved in and the societal conditions of their time.
• Migration Patterns: For those who evaded the draft, these records can offer clues about migration patterns, including movement to other countries like Canada during the Vietnam War era.
• Military Service: Knowing if and where an ancestor served can lead to further military records, medals, service details, and stories of their experiences during the conflict.

In summary, draft and Selective Service records enrich genealogical research by providing personal details, historical context, and insights into ancestors’ lives and societal conditions. It’s like adding vivid brushstrokes to the family history canvas!

Join us tomorrow as we delve into the fascinating world of Revolutionary War records. Discover how to uncover the stories of those who fought for independence and add another layer of depth to your genealogical journey. See you then!