Essay on Women Pivotal in Civil War: Volunteering, Nursing, Advocating, Spying, and More

Introduction

Women played pivotal roles during the civil war and contributed immensely, as they become attentive to the world outside the normal homes. Thousands of women from the south and north of America volunteer to participate in various roles during the war. When men were called upon to involve in the confrontation side, women stepped up and undertook various roles in nursing, civil right advocates, unions, became spies, supplying foods to the men on the battleground, taking charge of the families, while others also took part on the battleground alongside men. Prior to the war, women were shaped by the ideas which are referred by historians as "the cult of womanhood," and they were not allowed to take part in activities that were male-dominated. Men were moved from their homes into factories, offices, and shops for work as women were left behind to take care of the children and other related family chores. The war paved the way for the change of ideas as women got more involved and participated in roles that are still carried out up to date. The involvement of women and the roles played are highlighted in this paper in analyzing how they contributed during the war and how this led to the change in society and the world.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Women Fighting for the Union during the Civil War

During the civil outbreak in 1861, both men and women volunteered eagerly to fight in unity for what they strongly believed in. Other male soldiers brought their wives upon their mutual agreement to participate in the war. However, other women stayed away from the volatile battlefields but still took an active part in helping the army in much-needed areas for their survival and to continue with the fight. Women on the battlefield had to assume names that were masculine in order to survive with men, and they had to hide the truth about their identity as women. The main reason for this was to protect their identity and avoid the confrontation and stigmatization as they were looking down upon as being inferior and could not undertake roles done by men. Through this act, women could participate in the war without many people noticing them. They became the military heroines and were later acknowledged for their bravery and determination to fight for the liberation. Women got inspiration from their fellow like Florence Nightingale and other fellow nurses, who found a way to participate in the frontline by providing medical care to the injured soldiers as they keep the remaining troop safe and healthy. Women were enthused by the fact that they had to leave the strict life behind and attain the freedom to participate in the war. Women undertook nursing roles, which was mainly a male profession, in hospitals to treat the wounded soldiers, and this was crucial as countless lives were saved as a result of the move. Women nurses could also travel from one hospital to the other while transporting the injured soldiers in order to find the necessary treatment.

In June 1861, the federal government decided to create a sanitary service and preventive hygienic for the better good of the army, and it was known as the United States Sanitary Commission. The body was mandated to help in combating infections and preventable diseases through the improvement of the conditions the army was in. The sick and the wounded were also provided relief while at the same time mobilizing resources to help in the war.

Women influencing Policies during the Civil War

As a result of the war, women's voices began to rise, and they adequately took part in crucial policy-making exercises that affect society, including the oppression of women in society. During the American Revolution, there was the involvement of women in policy formulation as women like Mercy Otis Warren and Abigail Adams took part in influencing the policies and politics in meaningful ways for the betterment of the society. Many women, including African Americans, were also involved in influencing policies that aim at improving the lives of women in society. Among the policies was the need for women education in the society just like men had the opportunity and were the only ones perceived to have the right for education. Additionally, women pushed for informal recognition workplaces and the opportunity to take charge of higher positions as per the basis formed during the war in which they rose to ranks to steer operations. The participation and eventual end of the war made women demand their rights, especially when it comes to women's suffrage. The result was the allowance accorded for women to participate in voting, just like men in making political decisions. Various courageous activists such as Sojourner Truth and Abby Kelly from the North formed anti-slavery movements to fight against the oppression in the society. Women also attended concerts, bazaars, raffles in order to raise money to get the army supplies, and for sponsoring certain confederate gunboats through the drives aimed at fundraising.

Women as Messengers and Spies during the Civil War

The war required constant supplies of food and water to the soldiers, and women became key players. Women prepared food and took to the soldiers with water supply in order to keep them going. Additionally, women acted as spies between the warring groups by befriending the soldiers and being as close as possible to them. Women gained the trust of the soldiers and could even go to bed with them to win their allegiance and be open to them. Consequently, the soldier would give a secret to them regarding their plan to attack their enemies, equipment to be used, and their strategy in place to do so. Espionage was considered to be ideal for women as it was regarded as dishonorable for me. Spying was compared to prostitution, and as the war escalated, women from the South and the North flaunted into prostitution and provided intelligence to their country to help in making practical and technical decisions. Harriet Tubman. Born in Maryland in 1820 joined the union as a nurse and a cook, and she was recruited by the union officers in order to establish a network consisting of former slaves in South Carolina. She was known as the union spymaster, and she contributed greatly to freeing slaves from the rice plantations along river Combahee.

Women taking Care of the Family as Men participate in the Civil War

The emergence of the war made men leave their homes, leaving women behind to take care of the families. Women became the heads of the families and protected the children as the fathers were away. The responsibility of fending for the family was vested on the women forcing them to go beyond their usual homesteads to look for jobs. Textile industry and factories provided the ground for women to thrive as they took up positions left behind by men. The textile industry provided the soldiers on the battleground with blankets, undergarments, shoes, gloves, and scarves that were essential to provide protection against diseases related to cold. Other women stayed at home and sewed clothing to help the soldiers during the war. The leadership provided by the women at the homesteads was key for the continuity of the families as men could return home inured and tired, leaving women to be in charge of everything, including farm-related chores.

Women had to endure the hardships, and most of them had to bear the fear of their loved ones being killed during the war. Additionally, they experienced hardship related to the rise of inflation and related shortages. Inflation in the north rose by 100%, making it more difficult for women to meet the basic needs of their families. The tough situation made hundreds of women riot in the streets of Richmond, Virginia, while screaming "Blood or bread!" while looking at stores at the same time.

Women's Patriotism Inspired Men during the Civil War

Motivation and emotional support were crucial for the soldiers. Having a purpose and a sense of patriotism made them fight harder, knowing they are fighting for a better tomorrow for their families and nation. Maryland women such as Clara Barton, Barbara Frietchie, and Anna Ella Carroll played instrumental roles in inspiring the soldiers. For instance, Barbara could come into her window with the American flag and wave over the passing confederate troops in Maryland. Through the sense of loyalty and patriotism, these women were able to influence and motivate men to advance into the war with courage and purpose. The determination of women to make the lives of the soldiers better was crucial in imposing the challenge to the men not to fail them and the society, hence they fought with inspirations and great zeal. Women establish press to communicate and encourage men not to give up. This was a portrait of patriotism needed during the time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the onset of the civil war marked the start of the global shift, and women were viewed differently onwards. Women played commendable roles during the fight, and without their involvement, it would have been difficult for the soldiers to manage on their own. By taking part in the war, women gave a helping hand in the battlegrounds and acted as nurses, which was much needed for the injured soldiers. Additionally, women participated in policy-making and politics, took part in industrial jobs left by men, became the heads of their families while men are away, and mobilize and motivated men to participate in the war through their sense of patriotism. Ideally, the war led to the liberation of women from slavery, and they rose to fight for their rights in society and condemn slavery in society.

Bibliography

Beckman, Linda J., and S. Marie Harvey, eds. The new civil war: The psychology, culture, and politics of abortion. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 1998.

Bynum, Victoria. "War within a War": Women's Participation in The Revolt of the North Carolina Piedmont, 1863-1865." Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies (1987): 43-49. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3346260

Endres, Kathleen L. "The Women's Press in the Civil War: A Portrait of Patriotism, Propaganda, and Prodding." Civil War History 30, no. 1 (1984): 31-53. https://muse.jhu.edu/article/420126/summary

Giesberg, Judith Ann. Civil War Sisterhood: The US Sanitary Commission and Women's Politics in Transition. Upon, 2006.

Schwalm, Leslie Ann. A hard fight for we: Women's transition from slavery to freedom in South Carolina. Vol. 135. University of Illinois Press, 1997.

Steven Chabotte, Legends of America: Deadlier than the Male - Female Spies during the civil war (2008). https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-femalespiescivilwar/

Wood, Ann Douglas. "The war within a war: Women nurses in the Union army." Civil War History, 18, no. 3 (1972): 197-212.