Originally Posted By: Burt
The number of years that the U.S. has had an active draft is a lot less than most people would think. The union had a draft during the civil war, but you could pay a penalty and opt out.
Not until 1863, And to not get drafted, you had to pay for a $300 commutation fee. Which was beyond most people. Or pay for a subsitute.
In 1864, the rules changed it to a one year exemption. After which you either served or paid for a subsistute. Which could cost even more money.
The commutation fee was an effort to not only limit the costs of a subsitute, but a way to have the unwilling to help pay for the war.
Not only were both methods detested, but it led to the slogan "rich man's war, poor man's fight."