Women's Rights In The 19th Century

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Women’s rights has always been an issue, especially with the women during the 19th century. Back then, women weren’t acknowledged and they weren’t given rights such as voting. Women usually stayed home instead, suffering under the rule of their husbands most of the time because of their lack of power and opportunity. “Women enjoyed few of the legal, social, or political rights that are now taken for granted in western countries...their occupational choices were also extremely limited” (“Women in the 19th Century…”). However, during the Civil War, women were able to play bigger roles and take more action instead of sitting around watching the men do all the work. By working as nurses and gaining information as spies, women greatly contributed to the Civil War as they risked their lives, trying to assist both sides: the Union and the Confederacy. …show more content…
Without the work of nurses such as Clara Barton and Dorothea Dix, many soldiers would have died during battle and there would be a lack of supplies for them as well. Through Rose Greenhow and Harriet Tubman’s spying, both the Confederacy and the Union gained information that aided during battles. With the Civil War, women were able to step up and play bigger roles and have more freedom instead of being locked up and confined in their houses, behind their husbands. In today’s society, not all women have the rights that American women have since the fight for women’s rights is still going on. Fortunately, females have gained more freedom in society, as they are seen doing things like serving as vital elements in today’s military as they work alongside men. During the Civil War, the importance of women in the society was demonstrated so these women will forever be remembered not only as important figures during the war, but also as women who helped others to gain their