Cracking the Spheres of Domesticity: How Female Roles as Nurses and Spies in the American Civil War Gave Women the Tools for Future Activism

Abstract

This capstone takes a look at what hopes to prove is the beginning of a break from customary gender roles within the American family. The paper takes an in depth look at the work that women do during the Civil War. It looks at the growth of their role within the home. It also looks at the necessary growth of their role outside of the home since the men are off fighting the war. Most importantly, this paper looks at the work that women do both as field nurses and spies for both sides of the war. The culmination of the growth in female gender roles gives women the experience and the tools for future activism.