Final answer:
The Irish workers' grievance during the 1863 New York City draft riots revolved around opposition to the draft, a $300 exemption fee that spared the wealthy, and fears of job competition from freed African Americans, leading to racial violence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The grievance of the striking Irish workers during the New York City draft riots in 1863 was rooted in their opposition to the Civil War draft and the fear that African Americans, who were gaining freedom due to the Emancipation Proclamation, would take over their jobs. The well-to-do were able to circumvent the draft by paying a $300 exemption fee, leading to resentment from working-class citizens, particularly Irish immigrants. This economic fear, coupled with racial tensions and the belief that the war was being fought for the benefit of African Americans, resulted in violent and deadly riots.
Notably, the riots occurred shortly after the first draft lottery when draft names were published, coinciding with the arrival of casualty lists from the Battle of Gettysburg. The situation escalated as large segments of the white population, already believing in racial inequality, were further incited by rhetoric suggesting that the draft was a ploy to eliminate Democrats and force men into a conflict to free slaves. As a result, targeted attacks against African Americans and properties associated with them ensued, culminating in one of the worst race riots in U.S. history.