Role of Women in American Civil War (Essay Sample)

Nikki Richardson
Role Of Women In the American Civil War
Spring 2015
Introduction:
One of the darkest hours in our country’s history, the Civil War’s irrefutable impact on the lives of Americans had a profound and lasting effect. So often, the causes of the American Civil War have been debated. Many have questioned the actions of those who favored the Union, while others judged the southern loyalist.(Brackman B.,2009) Forced to choose between blood-bonds and friendships, morals and strong personal beliefs, families were torn apart, friendships ended and a nation was faced with unthinkable turmoil.
Body
The American Civil War was led by individual thought and passionate conviction, principles our country was built on. Since the first colony was established at Jamestown, the state of Virginia has been an extremely influential vessel in creating and shaping our nation. Considered the most politically powerful “mother of all states” before 1861, Virginia wielded significant influence within the nation’s government. A number of strong and prominent figures involved in the cause were bred Virginians.(Jones,2011)
The attack on Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861 marked the start of an intense and bloody four years. The effects were harsh and had no boundaries. The violence and brutality that engulfed the next four years proved unprejudiced. Black or white, rich or poor, northern or southern sympathizers, male or female, war affected everyone. Though many great political leaders and war heroes, like Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson, had significant impact on the Civil War, so too did many women.(Jones,2011)
With their husbands and fathers, sons and brothers away at war, the role of women changed drastically. In years past, women’s focus was generally on the home and creating a comfortable and nurturing environment. War on the home front encouraged a great deal of independence and strength, leading many women to look beyond the home and turn their attention to the war. The Civil War impacted women by encouraging independence and inspiring a more active role in the war effort.
Organizations were created to aid and supply soldiers and the war effort with necessities such as food, clothing and medical supplies. Some women made blankets and uniforms, while others tended their garden and provided food.(Frank L. ,2008) Those women who sought a more active role in the war efforts became nurses and spies, placing them on the front lines. With their many contributions, women had as much an impact on the war as it had on them. The many roles women played, from homemaker to nurse, southern belle to Yankee spy, slave to secret agent, defined a new generation of women. Passion and independence, courage and strength, led such women as Elizabeth Van Lew, Sally Louisa Tompkins, Maria Boyd, and Elizabeth Bowser to do great things and impact a nation at the height of one of its most trying times.
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Elizabeth Van Lew was a unique character with a passionate and sympathetic heart. Her contribution to the war efforts can, in many ways, be attributed to the influential role of her parents and childhood experiences. The Van Lew family was extremely wealthy and a prominent figure within Richmond’s elite society. Slavery flourished throughout the states, along with the moral implications of whether or not it was humane and just.(Brackman B.,2009)
The Van Lew’s found a middle ground within the conflict, creating a unique arrangement between themselves and slavery. While they purchased and owned slaves, the Van Lew’s believed slavery was wrong and sought its eradication. The slaves in the Van Lew house were treated with kindness, often as though they were an extended part of the family. Through charity and manumission, the Van Lew family fought slavery while still maintaining a semi-acceptable role in southern society.
Upon the death of Elizabeth’s father, John Van Lew, the Van Lew women’s struggle with slavery became more apparent. Eliza Van Lew, Elizabeth’s mother, greatly influenced her views and beliefs on the subject. Records indicate that Eliza Van Lew baptized Mary Jane, one of their household slaves, in St. John’s church, which was a very rare honor for a black slave. Not long after, Eliza proceeded to sell property she had inherited from her late husband to a couple of African American females.(Frank L.,2008). Actions such as these deeply expressed the Van Lew women’s disapproval of slavery.
Elizabeth Van Lew harbored strong feelings of love and commitment toward her slaves over the years. She had a compassionate heart and fearless conviction comprised of morals and beliefs instilled by her mother. She was not afraid to express her thoughts on the subject of slavery and became a pillar for the oppressed. Her fight for justice and hope for humanity led her down a righteous path as humanitarian and spy. (Jones,2011)
Living in the heart of the confederacy at the start of the Civil War created turmoil in Elizabeth’s heart. Virginia’s decision to secede from the Union and join in the south’s fight for slavery was a disappointment to Elizabeth. She felt a sense of betrayal and struggled with Virginia’s decision. Thus, at the start of the Civil War Elizabeth found herself a true Unionist living in a Confederate society.
Her tenacious and unwavering determination to persuade others against slavery was a force to be reckoned with. Gaining access to Libby prisoners, Elizabeth was able to bring food and clothing, among other things, to them. (Brackman B.,2009)) She acquired information from Union soldiers about Confederate troops and passed the information along to Union commanders. Elizabeth also aided in several prison breaks, obtaining and passing along information about safe houses to Union soldiers.(Brackman B.,,2009)
Her involvement in the war effort was up close and personal. She sought to sway others toward an abolitionist view and found various ways to infiltrate the Confederate army. Elizabeth’s dedication and persistence in the fight against slavery had a great impact on the Civil War. Her actions greatly contribute to the success of the Union army.
Isabella Marie Boyd, better known as Belle Boyd, was yet another female struck by the turmoil of the Civil War. In spite of her family’s lack of fortune, Belle received a decent education all the way through college. Her extreme involvement in the Civil War was not independently sought.(Jones,2011) Instigated by Union soldiers who attempted to exert their power over her and her mother, Belle became enraged and defiant against the Union’s cause.
Belle Boyd did not seem to fear death or any other consequence threatened to her for treason against the Union army. She was a southern loyalist and fiercely determined to help bring victory to the Confederacy. (Frank L.,2008) Using her father’s hotel in Front Royal, Virginia, Belle acquired useful information from Union soldiers and passed them along to the Confederate army. Meetings held at the hotel by Union commanders, were easy for Belle to gain access to. She was also well equipped with a southern charm most men fell victim too, unknowingly confiding valuable information.
Braving bullets and tempting death many times, Belle became an extraordinary heroine in the eyes of the Confederacy.(Brackman B.,2009) She was imprisoned several times for her acts of espionage against the Union army, but somehow always managed to escape persecution. For her contribution and war efforts, Belle Boyd received the Southern Cross of Honor. Belle spent some time abroad after the war ended, but eventually returned to America and began spreading her adventures as a Confederate spy.
Sally Tompkins was a remarkable young lady who served the Confederate army during the Civil War. Sally’s contribution to the cause came in the form of a hospital. Using her family’s wealth and influence, Sally opened a facility to tend to the wounded in 1861, Robertson Hospital. President Jefferson Davis insisted that hospitals tending to military personal be under military supervision. Sally’s facility had made great progress and had achieved great success with their patients, thus inspiring President Davis to allow her to continue operating.(Frank L,2008) The commission Sally received from the President made her the first and only female employed by the Confederate army.
The commission Sally received from the Confederate government provided aided in the form of food and money. Operating a medical facility was a costly venture and costs could not always be covered by donations or Sally’s inheritance, thus government aide was appreciated. Sally’s unquestionable obsession with cleanliness, no doubt, had a profound effect on the success rate of Robertson Hospital. (Jones,2011) The mortality rate of the facility during the four year blood bath was less than one hundred. This was well known throughout the south and many commanders insisted their wounded only be sent to Sally’s facility.
Sally Tompkins’ remarkable contribution to the war had a profound and lasting effect on the south. Her passion for easing the pain of others did not go unnoticed. Sally’s actions during the Civil War left her a great inspiration in the south and a lasting heroine in women’s history. With her fortune lacking at war’s end, Sally continued with her charitable contributions, dedicating the rest of her life to providing others with hope and solace.(Frank L.2008)
Though little is known about Mary Elizabeth Bowser, she has the privilege of being accredited one of the most successful spies for the Union...