Women's Roles in the Civil War

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Women take an important position in society; they have many roles and can do anything men can. Women contributed a lot in the past and in the present; it may just be small things, but it may make a difference in one way or another. Throughout history, there were many battles; one battle was the American Civil War, which was fought from 1861 to 1865. The Civil War was a devastating war that this country has seen. The Civil War was a fight between the north and the south. During this war, women had many roles that contributed to the outcome; the women helped fought in the war; they acted as nurses, and the Civil War affected them significantly. Women helped fought in the Civil War in a number of ways, even though it may not be physically. Women at this point in time were prohibited to join the military; yet, over 400 women assisted as soldiers in the Civil War. In order to join the military, they had to disguise themselves as men and change their names to something more masculine. Their disguises were very convincing that they were often exposed by mishap while being treated for injuries or illnesses. The women who joined the military, who carried guns, were usually employed women, immigrant women, or poor women. Women also helped in another way; some women were spies, whom gathered precious information that was put into good use. These women collected useful information by flirting with male soldiers at different occasions (The Roles). One spy for the Confederates was Rose Greenhow, who collected crucial information from elected officials and representatives to pass along their secrets to Beauregard, a Confederate General (Secret). Other women would smuggle beneficial supplies for their soldiers. Some of these supplies inc... ... middle of paper ... ...s war expanded the roles of women and made women question their proper place in society (Women). Women had many roles during the Civil War, which contributed to the outcome; they helped fought and acted as nurses in the war and it affected them greatly. Without the women’s help in this war, the outcome might have been different. Works Cited Brenton, Josiah H., Jr. "What Women Did for the War and What the War Did for Women (1894)." Women in America. Woodbridge, CT: Primary Source Media, 1999. American Journey. Student Resources in Context. Web. 16 May 2014. "Secret Agents in Hoop Skirts: Women Spies of the Civil War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 3 Sept. 2013. Web. 22 May 2014. "The Roles of Women in the Civil War." Civil War Saga. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2014. "Women in the Civil War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 15 May 2014.

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