Women

Before the Civil War, women were shaped by a set of ideals that historians call “the Cult of True Womanhood.” It was the mens job to work away from the home while the household became a feminine area. It was said that “true women” spent their loves creating a clean and comfortable home for their husbands and children. During the Civil War women gave their attention to the outside. In 1861, after the outbreak of the war, women volunteered to fight for a cause. Women planned aid societies to give the Union troops everything that they would have needed. Many women still wanted to take an active role during this time. They tried to find a way to work on the front lines. They started to care for the injured soldiers and keeping the rest of the troops safe. During June in 1861, the government agreed to create a “preventive hygienic and sanitary series for the benefit of the army.” This

was called the United States Sanitary Commission.

Almost 20,000 women worked more directly for

the Union war.