What Role Did Women Play In The Civil War Essay

Women and War

(Women's roles during the Civil War) Throughout history there are many events that fabricate the world we live in. Many of the turning points that are developed can be traced back to one source. War; it is something that seems to come natural to humankind. Or rather, more specifically, mankind. Throughout history we observe that generally men played a more prominent role in wars. While women were affected and did influence war. However, women's roles were more behind the scenes and didn't get as much recognition. To be more specific, in American history we see the roles that women play in the battles that founded this country. Often we see it through raising good young boys who would have enough bravery to fight for their country,

One such woman was Harriet Tubman. Due to her knowledge of the Southern geography, the Union army hired her to spy on the Confederate army. Another woman named Isabelle Boyd served as a Confederate spy. "Boyd gained information of interest to Confederate intelligence. She passed information on to Generals P.G.T. Beauregard and 'Stonewall' Jackson that enabled Jackson to save the bridges at Front Royal." (Women in America-1999) Many other women including, Sarah Thompson, and Elizabeth Van Lew. "Ignoring the dictates of how 'proper' women should behave, some women boldly chose to enter the fray of active service as undercover agents." (Sakany) The feminist movement began during this period when women took up new roles. "For a long time, Greenhow continued her spying, often gathering valuable, detailed pieces of information." (Phillips) Through their services as spies, women were able to aid their side of the Civil War and fight for their own freedom as

However, some even worked in the camps with the soldiers, doing laundry and cooking, sewing and providing moral support. "Their [the women's] lack of presence on the battlefield has often been mistaken as their absence from all avenues of the war effort." (Women and the American Civil War) Even though the women weren't physically in the war, they provided clothing, food, medicine, care, and moral support. Despite their absence on the battlefield, they aided the war critically. By offering these provisions, they aided in the survival of the soldiers. Women in the north would organize Aid Groups that would help raise money for the war. Women in the south provided more medical care, due to the fact that the war was at their doorsteps. Women also took over the positions that men left open when they went to join the war. They took over factory positions, and they developed political standings. Women made giants leaps toward becoming more equal and proving they were capable of the same occupations as men. "Prior to the war, the occupation of women was mainly confined to domestic affairs, and to a limited participation in the work of education." (Benton) The war was not only revolutionary in ending slavery, it also aided the opportunities women were able to