Question

question 7 of 10

what did the conscription act do?

a. extended soldiers service for another year and forced all men aged 21 to 40 to be available for military service
b. extended soldiers service for an additional two years and forced all men aged 18 to 45 to be available for military service
c. extended soldiers service for another year and forced all men aged 18 to 35 to be available for military service
d. extended soldiers service for an additional two years and men who owned 20 enslaved men could enlist them in their place

Explanation:

Identify the historical context

The question asks about the provisions of the Conscription Act passed during the American Civil War. In April 1862, the Confederate Congress passed the first conscription act in American history to address critical troop shortages.

Analyze the provisions of the Act

The Confederate Conscription Act of April 1862 did two main things:

1. It extended the enlistment of all one-year soldiers already in service by an additional three years (or for the duration of the war).
2. It declared all healthy white men between the ages of 18 and 35 liable for military service.

Evaluate the given options

• Option A: Mentions ages 21 to 40, which is incorrect for the initial 1862 act.
• Option B: Mentions ages 18 to 45, which reflects later expansions of the draft age but not the initial act's terms.
• Option C: Correctly states that it extended soldiers' service (by keeping those already serving in the ranks) and drafted men aged 18 to 35.
• Option D: Mentions the "20 Negro Law" exemption, but mischaracterizes the service extension and enlistment terms.

Therefore, Option C is the historically accurate description of the initial Conscription Act's terms.

Answer:

• A. Extended soldiers' service for another year and forced all men aged 21 to 40 to be available for military service
• B. Extended soldiers' service for an additional two years and forced all men aged 18 to 45 to be available for military service
• C. Extended soldiers' service for another year and forced all men aged 18 to 35 to be available for military service (Correct answer)
• D. Extended soldiers' service for an additional two years and men who owned 20 enslaved men could enlist them in their place