Women's Role In The Civil War

The Civil War started April 12th, 1861 and ended April 9th, 1865. During these 4 years both men and women went to work. Each and every person in the family had to step up and take on a role. Men mostly went off to battle, some were drafted and some chose to go off. Women's roles in the Civil War however varied from nurses, spies, some disguised as men and joined the fight, and lastly but certainly not least stayed home to care for the children and other responsibilities.

Women's roles as nurses were very important. Thousands of women volunteered to care for these wounded soldiers during the Civil War. Most women who took on these roles were expected to learn as they went on with their daily activities. Their day's begun at 6 am and usually …show more content…
One of these ways was working as spies. Hundreds of women served as spies during the Civil War. Women spies often gathered information about the enemy's plans, troop size, fortifications, and supplies on scraps of paper or fabric and sewed them into their blouses and petticoats or rolled them into their hair. For them to smuggle goods such as morphine, ammunition or weapons, they often attached them to the frame of their hoop skirts or hid them in baskets, packages and even inside dolls. Women were perfect for being spies because they were viewed as non- threatening by soldiers and would often let their guard down around the mall. They were also easily trusted which made them even better. Men ever expected for women to get involved in such a dangerous job, so they often went undetected. Women acknowledged as spies were usually young, white well-to-do, unmarried, as well as attractive, charming, intelligent, and quick- witted. It is known that most women spies often volunteered for the job, although some were recruited by spymasters. Captured women spies were often thought of and assumed to be prostitutes, unless their reputation was strong enough to protect themselves. As soldiers began to catch on to the activities of these women spies, it became harder and harder for them to cross over into enemy lines without getting searched or arrested. The punishment for the act of spying was harsh. Male spies were often imprisoned or killed, usually by hanging. Women however were rarely executed and were usuallyimprisoned or deported to Canada or the South. One of the most successful women spies of the Civil War was Rose Greenhow, also known as "wild rose." She was credited by Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his army's success at the First Battle of Bull Run. Women spies during the Civil War faced many challenges but their roles were just as important as

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