Women's Role In The Civil War

The Lifestyle and Role of Women In the Civil War Typically, when we think of the Civil War, we think of the role of men during that time. History books reflect on the men that had fought and died in the war. While many may believe men were the only ones that contributed in the Civil War that isn't actually the case. Women also had a large impact on the outcome of this war. During the war, women took on new roles to support their families. Women were generally viewed as primary caretakers of the home and of children. Previously throughout history they didn’t usually take part in the same roles that men did. During the Civil War, women not only took on their usual roles of being in control of the home life, they actually joined in on the war
This area was full of large plantations worked by slaves. However, certain families could not afford to be slaves or were not wealthy enough to own plantations, and these families had to run the farms themselves. Women during this time period were a part of what was known as the “Cult of Domesticity” which suggested that women were meant to be passive caretakers. This meant that women were expected to cook, clean, take care of the children, and to just generally be housekeepers. However, during the Civil War, many of the men went off to serve in the army, and their wives were left to run their farms and businesses by themselves. Women were left in charge of the livestock and poultry, preserved fruits, vegetables and meat, and made family garments. In 1860, New York passed the first comprehensive reform granting women full property, parental, and widow’s rights. Under this reform, and others like it, women could run businesses. This was, however, much more acceptable for women in the west and midwest than the south and northeast. Many women in Minnesota became successful independent photographers during this time period. Some were even gallery managers and owners. A woman named Ellen Curtis Demorest designed and sold dresses in addition to running a magazine called “Madame Demorest’s Mirror of Fashions”. It eventually became a million dollar business. Several women during the Civil War also
In order to change their appearance they wore baggy clothing and a lot of layers in order to hide their breasts and then would cut their hair short to resemble a male and put dirt on their faces. At least 250 women disguised themselves and took part in the war. Women took part in almost every major battle that was fought. For example women fought in the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. During this battle at least six women fought including confederate Loreta Velazquez who also took part in the battle at fort Donelson. Most of these women joined along side of a male relative or spouse. Women that were disguised typically remained undetected unless they became wounded or were killed. Some women were still able to be a part of the war without disgusting themselves as men. Many women helped jobs pertaining to the military without actually being on the front lines. These jobs included everything from helping on hospital ships, to cooking and serving meals for soldiers. Some women came on as laundresses but ended up tending to the sick, cleaning guns and even teaching soldiers to how to