Roles of Women During the Civil War

Clara Barton was credited as founding the American Red Cross.

The Civil War was not only a turning point in American history, but also one in the history of women in America. Though some women did work prior to the war, it was the increase in women's efforts during wartime that helped advance the idea of women in the work force. While their husbands and sons were at war, women were left home to support and manage the household. Many women also took up jobs or roles in the war itself.

Secret Soldiers

Despite women being prohibited from joining the Army, many women disguised themselves as men and adopted masculine names to fight in the Civil War. The presence of young boys in the military helped women disguised as men go undetected during the war, with respect to their lack of facial hair and feminine features. Due to their disguises, it is still unknown how many women actually served.

Nursing

Another profession taken up by women on the battlefield of the American Civil War was nursing. Nurses worked long, strenuous shifts caring for wounded soldiers. One of the most prominent nurses during the war was Clara Barton, who was later credited as founding the American Red Cross. Other women, referred to as Vivandieres, followed their male family members into war to serve as their personal nurses.

War Relief

With the men at war, many women aided the cause through various relief associations. Within these, women compiled food and made clothing, blankets and bandages for soldiers. Women who worked for organizations such as the Women's Central Relief Fund were also responsible for maintaining the inventory and distributing the supplies to soldiers on the battlefield.

Spies

One of the most well-known roles of women during the American Civil War was that of espionage. Initially, female spies faced adversity by men who were not supportive of women taking upon this typically male role. Even so, the role of female spies during the Civil War became prominent, exemplified by the Battle of Bull Run, in which a female spy provided the Confederate Army with the battle plans of the Union.

References

• AmericanCivilWar.com: Women of the American Civil War
• U.S. Army: Vivandieres: Forgotten Women of the Civil War
• Lincoln Park Public Schools: Female Civil War Spies