There are indications of a widespread feeling that people, even the most humble members of society, ought to have enough resources or facilities to do their job in the social order, and that there is something morally wrong or even outrageous when these resources are unavailable.

-- Barrington Moore , Injustice

Because of the military crisis in the spring of 1862, Confederate Virginians generally accepted conscription and other intrusions of government in their lives. Continued tolerance depended on how political leaders administered the new systems and met the challenges that lay ahead. As the year progressed, shortages of food and other goods eroded faith in the government. Popular resentment increased as hardships worsened -- especially as planters and other wealthy persons avoided military service by hiring substitutes or seemingly capitalized on the misfortune of others by charging exorbitant prices for goods. the belief that the rich benefited while others suffered caused civilians to riot for food and soldiers to leave the army, actions that the state and national officials could not ignore. Officials responded first with a heavy hand, employing measures that tightened discipline in the army and drew clearer lines between front and home front. As desertion and discord continued, however, authorities realized that they also needed a softer approach and increased the efforts to administer charity for the needy. the emphasis on public welfare still focused at the local level as leaders . . .