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The War in America: recruiting in New York: the Irish Zouaves, 1862. Creator: Unknown
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The War in America: recruiting in New York: the Irish Zouaves, 1862. Creator: Unknown
The War in America: recruiting in New York: the Irish Zouaves, 1862. Scene at a recruiting-office at Mozart Hall, Broadway. The Federal Government...was compelled to have recourse to the system of high bounty-money to foreigners...to fill up the depleted ranks of...[the] army...[They] offered 100 dollars bounty-money to each recruit, and, this sum not being sufficient to provide the first batch of 300, 000 men that Mr. Lincoln demanded during the summer, and the second 300, 000 that he demanded under the penalty of a conscription, ...the corporations of the various cities in the north...doubled and trebled the offer of the Government, and in some places actually raised the bounties to 500 and 600 dollars. The results were a large enrolment of Irishmen and Germans, to whom the bounty-money was the attraction rather than love of the cause, and many of whom had been rebels in their own country before they took up arms to fight rebellion in the land of their adoption. The most favourite of the regiments thus raised among the foreign recruits wore the Zouaves, in imitation of those of Paris, and composed of a similar class of people, to whom the brilliant and picturesque costume was almost as much an inducement to enlist as the ready money'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
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Media ID 38078488
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a pivotal moment in American history during the Civil War, showcasing the recruitment of Irish Zouaves in New York City in 1862. The scene at Mozart Hall on Broadway depicts the intense efforts by the Federal Government to fill up their depleted ranks through offering high bounty-money to foreigners.
As described in "Illustrated London News" from 1862, the government's offer of $100 bounty-money per recruit was not enough to meet President Lincoln's demands for troops. In response, various cities in the north doubled and even tripled these bounties, leading to a surge in enlistment among Irish and German immigrants who were enticed by the financial incentives rather than a deep-seated loyalty to the cause.
The Irish Zouaves regiment became one of the most popular choices among these foreign recruits, drawing inspiration from Parisian counterparts and attracting individuals from similar backgrounds. The colorful and distinctive Zouave uniforms added an extra allure for those seeking adventure and monetary rewards.
This image serves as a poignant reminder of how economic incentives played a significant role in shaping military recruitment during this tumultuous period in American history. It highlights the complex motivations behind individuals' decisions to join the fight against rebellion, shedding light on their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
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