AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Lincoln and Federal Policies (Day 142/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Lincoln and Federal Policies as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Lincoln at Antietam, Wikimedia Commons

During the Civil War, President Lincoln faced many challenges outside just his role as commander in chief.

Presidential Proclamation 94, DocsTeach

To quash criticism, Lincoln suspended habeas corpus, enabling the arrest of someone without a warrant. Martial law was also declared empowering the military to replace the civilian government.

Lincoln Burning an Effigy of American Laws, National Park Service

This led to the imprisonment of 10,000 “subversives” without a trial and briefly closed down a few newspapers. Instead of controlling the war narrative, these actions fueled dissent.

Lincoln Letter Announcing Draft, Library of Congress

Another federal wartime policy was the military draft. With the Conscription Act of 1863, Congress implemented the first wartime draft in U.S. history. All males aged 20 to 45 were required to register.

New York City Draft Riots, Wikimedia Commons

However, exemptions could be bought for $300 or by finding a substitute. With calls of “a rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight,” riots ensued in several cities to protest the inequitable policy.

Attempting to suppress criticism and successfully maintain the war effort, Lincoln and the federal government instituted policies such as the suspension of habeas corpus, martial law, and conscription.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Election of 1864 in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!