Draft resistance in Illinois
Robert Sterling identified regional differences to draft resistance in Illinois. About half of the draft districts experienced a degree of visibly open, forceful resistance. It is notable that there were no incidents of open public resistance in the 5th and 6th districts which contained significant Irish-American working class populations. Illinois met its quotas without resorting to the draft until late in 1864. A few incidents of violence against draft officials occurred, although very limited compared to the resistance after enrollment was enacted a year and half prior. Only 11% of those drafted were actually sent to fight. The remainder obtained physical exemptions, purchased substitutes, cashed in on draft insurance policies and even moved to other states. Sterling concludes that the political inclinations of Democrats (and their underlying anti-abolition and anti-centralized government sentiments) explained draft resistance in Illinois. Sterling argues that opposition to conscription was the primary underlying cause of the Illinois draft riots.[1]
[1] Robert Sterling, "Civil War Draft Resistance in Illinois," (Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society 64. no.3 1971), 254-260.