What Caused the New York Draft Riots? Article Review Example

History is full of surprises, and small riots may turn into the source of dramatic violence and unprecedented fights. The article provides a brief discussion of New York Draft riots and explores possible reasons behind them. Thousands of laborers moving along Eighth and Ninth avenues create a picture of chaos (Anonymous 525). Firefighters try to stop the blaze but fail to do so (Anonymous 526). The riots color the city with blood and violence. High officials and lowly citizens become their victims (Anonymous 526). More than a hundred of lost lives and a million dollar loss in property – these are the results of the draft riots in New York (Anonymous 526).

History is full of surprises. More often than not, the real reasons of the critical historical changes remain unknown. The case of the New York Draft Riots is not an exception: for years and decades, historians sought to understand their reasons, meaning, and historical implications. I believe that the discussion of the New York Draft Riots is interesting because it shows how history works. One can never understand the factors and drivers behind the historical changes, without trying to analyze them from within. What seems a draft riot is nothing but a racist attack: the targets of rioters vary from one day to the next; most of those participating in the riot are not eligible for draft; African Americans are the most common victims of the public vengeance – it is not a draft riot but a well-developed violent strategy against Blacks! (Anonymous 527-8). History is never simple; nor is it easy to understand. History always leaves much room for contemplation and analysis. To say that we know everything about historical events means to distort the reality. The study of history is a never ending process not only because humanity constantly evolves, but because history is full of surprises and no one can deny it.

Works Cited

Anonymous. “What Caused the New York Draft Riots?”