Unionists throughout the Confederate States, including Germans, resisted the imposition of conscription in 1862

Currier and Ives created this undated print titled, "Unionists throughout the Confederate States." The composition arranges figures in a dynamic pull, immediately creating a sense of conflict. Linear forms define the bodies and clothing, delineating their struggle against the landscape. The monochrome palette intensifies the stark contrast between the figures, highlighting their physical exertion and emotional distress. This piece is not just a depiction of a historical event, but also an exploration of resistance against forced conscription during the Civil War. Through the semiotic contrast of dress and implied status, the print decodes societal tensions present in the Confederacy. The act of pulling can be read as a metaphor for the imposition of power against individual belief. The tension between the visual elements of line, form, and composition allows the artwork to function as a critique of power, inviting us to engage with the complex narratives of identity, resistance, and control.