Although these days, it is widely perceived that the Civil War presented men’s combat, the role of women should not be underestimated. In addition, it should be mentioned that their role is more significant than “self-sacrificing nurses, romantic spies, or brave ladies maintaining the home front in the absence of their men” (Blanton, 1993, para. 1; Burns, 1990b). According to the formal figures, it was registered that approximately 400 women participated in the fight, though it is evident that the real number is highly likely to be greater (Righthand, 2011). As women are prohibited from serving in combat, they attempted to enlist as men.
For instance, Figure 1 depicts “one of the best-documented female soldiers”, Sarah Edmonds, who served as a Union soldier and performed nursing duties during the Civil War (Righthand, 2011, para. 8). Perhaps, her example contributed to social understandings of women’s roles in the 19th century, as she showed her bravery and strength on the field.
In addition, women fulfilled the needs of the soldiers at their homes. In the Northern regions of the country, they established special societies to provide the troops with all the thing they may need, and the list included food, clothing, and even cash (Burns, 1990a; Module presentation: Women in the war and the end in sight). In the North, women also attempted to supply essential help for injured soldiers and worked as nurses.
They also achieved the establishment of the United States Sanitary Commission and tried to care for men as mothers and housekeepers (Burns, 1990b). As for the Southern part of the country, women were not indifferent as well. Although their resources were significantly limited compared to the Northern regions, they did their best to provide the essential help for soldiers at the same level as their Northern counterparts (Blanton, 1993). Therefore, it may be concluded that the contribution of women during the Civil War is considerable.
References
Blanton, D. (1993). Women soldiers of the Civil War. Prologue, 25(1).
Burns, K. (1990a). Most hallowed ground (1864). Excelsior College. Web.
Burns, K. (1990b). War is all hell. Excelsior College. Web.
Module presentation: Women in the war and the end in sight. (n. d.). Web.
Righthand, J. (2011). The woman who fought in the Civil War. Smithsonian Magazine. Web.