The Civil War
During the Civil War Era, most women were still confined to their domestic lifestyles, however, some were becoming more educated, more demanding of their personal rights as citizens, and more self-sufficient. When men entered the war, many women took on factory jobs to keep a steady income for their families at home. Women pursed education, especially for medical professions, because they were discouraged to go into most other jobs. According to "Women in the Civil War" by Mary Massey, "When the Civil War started, there were many licensed females physicians. Two well-known physicians are Emily Blackwell and Mary Walker" (p. 10). Another well known profession for women was teaching, but even in that profession they were discriminated against because most schools preferred male teachers. Emma Willard protested against this by opening up a women's teaching academy, to train female teachers and to make them so qualified, they would look better than their male competitors.
In addition to the medical field and education, women during the Civil War began to using writing as a way of life that allowed them to express themselves. The author of Uncle Tom's Cabin was a woman named Harriet Beecher Stowe. This book sold over 300,000 copies, was translated into 10 different languages, and influenced a lot of individuals on anti-slavery.One of the only ways a woman could voice her opinion on slavery was through writing.
Northern women started many anti-slavery and women's right crusades. The biggest issues women were fighting for included: property rights, legal-guardian rights over their children, equal wages, and more liberal divorce laws. Many women during this time period also became more involved in politics. The would read the newspapers and even attend speeches related to the election and political discussions.
Many women, (especially Southern women), felt it was their duty to encourage the men in their family to enlist in the war. Women also made it their duty to collect donations from wealthy businessmen to fund supplies such as food, clothing, and medical equipment that the men needed during war. In addition women ran places for passing war soldiers to stay at called Refreshment Saloons in the North or Wayside Homes in the South. At these lodging places a soldier could receive a meal or medical help.
In addition to the medical field and education, women during the Civil War began to using writing as a way of life that allowed them to express themselves. The author of Uncle Tom's Cabin was a woman named Harriet Beecher Stowe. This book sold over 300,000 copies, was translated into 10 different languages, and influenced a lot of individuals on anti-slavery.One of the only ways a woman could voice her opinion on slavery was through writing.
Northern women started many anti-slavery and women's right crusades. The biggest issues women were fighting for included: property rights, legal-guardian rights over their children, equal wages, and more liberal divorce laws. Many women during this time period also became more involved in politics. The would read the newspapers and even attend speeches related to the election and political discussions.
Many women, (especially Southern women), felt it was their duty to encourage the men in their family to enlist in the war. Women also made it their duty to collect donations from wealthy businessmen to fund supplies such as food, clothing, and medical equipment that the men needed during war. In addition women ran places for passing war soldiers to stay at called Refreshment Saloons in the North or Wayside Homes in the South. At these lodging places a soldier could receive a meal or medical help.
Massey notes that this "Cooper Shop Refreshment Saloon dispensed more than 80,000 dollars worth of supplies and 600,000 meals" (p. 36). Making a huge difference to many soldiers.
References
Lai, C. L. (Designer). (2006). Uncle tom's cabin. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://bookcoverarchive.com/book/the_annotated_uncle_toms_cabin
Massey, M. E. (1994). Women in the civil war. University of Nebraska Press. Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=iMOXnAboxV4C&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=women in the civil war&ots=g1ntIOd14Y&sig=EJWYa2JbwpwZ7DI7DvPHpdXe32o
Sheaff, R. D. (Designer). (n.d.). Cooper shop volunteer refreshment saloon and hospital . [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.sheaff-ephemera.com/list/advertising-covers/cooper-shop-volunteer-refre.html
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