- Violation of personal freedom: Conscription infringed on the individual liberties and traditional beliefs of many citizens, who saw it as a violation of their freedom of choice and self-determination.
- Unfairness and discrimination: The draft laws were perceived to be unfair, as wealthier individuals could often pay for substitutes to serve in their place, while poorer citizens were forced to fight. This led to accusations of class discrimination.
- Lack of choice and voluntary service: Many people felt that they should have the right to choose whether to serve or not, rather than being forced to fight against their will. This sentiment fueled resistance to the draft.
In the South:
- States' rights and sovereignty: The Confederate states feared that conscription violated the sovereignty and autonomy of their individual states. They believed that the federal government had overstepped its constitutional powers by imposing a draft on their citizens.
- War as a "rich man's fight": Many Southerners resented the perception that the war was being fought primarily to protect the interests of wealthy landowners, while common soldiers were bearing the brunt of the fighting. This contributed to anger at the draft.
- Resistance to Northern coercion: Conscription was seen as an oppressive measure imposed by the North, further fueling resistance and resentment in the South.