Question

Why did some people in the South refer to the Civil War as a rich man's war and a poor man's fight?

A) because the draft law called for all men ages 18-35 to serve in the Confederate Army
B) because a draft law was passed that allowed those who owned 20 or more slaves to be excused from military service
C) because only those who could afford $300 for a uniform were allowed to fight in the Confederate Army
D) confederate Army officers were generally poor farmers.

Answer 1

Some people referred to the Civil War as 'a rich man's war and a poor man's fight' because draft laws had exemptions and provisions that favored the wealthy, allowing them to avoid conscription, while poorer individuals were more likely to be drafted and fight.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase "a rich man's war and a poor man's fight" was used to describe the Civil War because of the loopholes in the draft laws that allowed wealthier men to avoid conscription. The Conscription Act, passed by the Confederate government in April 1862, included an exemption for slave owners who owned more than 20 slaves. Furthermore, the ability to hire substitutes by paying a significant fee was another option that primarily benefited the wealthy. Due to these provisions, the burden of fighting disproportionately fell on the poorer population, who could neither afford to pay for substitutes nor claim exemption through slave ownership