Abraham Lincoln signs the most controversial bill of his presidency into law, providing for the first national military draft in U.S. history.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Abraham Lincoln signs the most controversial bill of his presidency into law, providing for the first national military draft in U.S. history.
Jefferson Davis signs a bill into law creating the first national military draft in American history.
Jefferson Davis submits a special message to the Confederate Congress urging members to approve military conscription.
March 13, 1865 – President Jefferson Davis submitted a contentious message to the Confederate Congress as a growing sense of defeat spread throughout the South.
November 7, 1864 – The second session of the Second Confederate Congress assembled and received President Jefferson Davis’s optimistic annual message. Throughout the war, Davis
May 18, 1864 – A forged presidential proclamation was sent to the press in an effort to drive up the price of gold. This caused