Question

How did the woman's role in American society change between the Revolution and the Civil War? How did it stay the same? In your answer, consider a woman's place in the public and private spheres.

Answer 1

The Revolution happened between 1776 and 1783 while the civil war took place between 1861 and 1865. There is around an 85 year gap between the two. This span of time brought about a lot of changes in the way women were viewed in the society. Though women participated in both, the participation was more and of more importance in civil war. During the Revolution, women were thought to be more of "domestic" helpers rather than people who can fight. Women took part in nursing, taking care of houses and other jobs which didn't involve direct risk. Women tended to men who directly fought in the war. Very few women took part in the war. Women were seen more as a weaker section. During civil war, women participation in risky work increased substantially. Many women worked as spies, a few fought in the war. Women became more empowered in this span of time.

In public spheres, women were more active during Civil War than during Revolution. In private spheres women were more active during Revolution. This can be greatly attributed to the male dominance in the society in that time period.