The main reason for the military draft during the Civil War was to increase the number of soldiers available to fight. The Union and the Confederacy both faced a shortage of manpower as the war dragged on, and the draft was seen as a necessary measure to ensure that each side had enough troops to continue fighting.
To Replace Casualties
The Civil War was one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history, and both the Union and the Confederacy suffered significant casualties. The draft was used to replace soldiers who had been killed, wounded, or captured, as well as to keep up with the increasing demand for troops as the war expanded.
To Maintain Morale
The draft also helped to maintain morale among the troops. By showing that the government was committed to winning the war and was willing to take whatever steps were necessary to ensure victory, the draft helped to keep the soldiers motivated and focused.
To Maintain A Balanced Military Force
Finally, the draft helped to maintain a balanced military force. By ensuring that each side had a sufficient number of soldiers, the draft helped to prevent one side from gaining a decisive advantage over the other.