Spies

2 Pages 550 Words

Women in the nineteenth century did not have the same rights as men, but they were still able to make a large impact in the Civil War.
Women in the early 1800's were not allowed to vote and not able to possess their own money. Also women could not work, or they could not have a lawyer in court. Boys went to school when girls could not. Women could not go to school, so most were not well educated. Since women had few rights, they worked in the house all day doing chores like weaving cloth, sewing shoes, and making soap. Women worked in factories for little pay and all they were able to do was dust and clean.
When the first shot of the Civil War at Fort Sumter was fired, the men rushed out to fight. Women stayed and did all the work that men used to do. They were capable of seeing what they could do while the men were at war. Families that were separated because of the Civil War communicated through letters. Women provided supplies that men could not get at war.
When women finally decided to fight they were excited. Southern women supported the southern cause to keep slavery or they fought because their state believed in slavery. Northern women supported the northern cause to save the Union. Women in the Civil War served as spies, couriers, guides, scouts, saboteurs, and smugglers. They dressed as men and spied on the other side. Spies from the North used hot air balloons to watch the South make an important ship, the Virginia.
There were many women who served as spies for the South. Some of these included Nancy Hurt, Belle Boyd, Rose O'Neal Greenhow, and Belle Boyd. Belle Boyd played an important role in the Civil War. Belle Boyd watched the Union soldiers travel all the way to Canada. Belle Boyd did this without getting caught and going to jail.
The following spies were for the Union: Elizabeth Van Lew, Pauline Cushman, Mary Elizabeth Bowser, Harriet Tubman, and Emma Edmonds. Emma Edmonds fought in Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Sharpsbu...