The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history. Men left their homes, wives, children and the public sphere to fight the Civil War, leaving women responsible for both the domestic and public sphere. With the men off to war, women would soon come to realize that the responsibilities of the public sphere had been passed down their way for the time being. With both the domestic and public sphere in the palm of their hands, women acknowledged the fact that their role in the public sphere was much more crucial, and so they set themselves out to be spies, civil rights advocates, undercover soldiers and nurses to provide any kind of support during a time in need. One union nurse, in particular, describes the aftermath of the battle of Gettysburg.
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As a matter of fact Hancock was so concerned for the men who had not yet been treated that in both her letters she discretely asks her cousin and sister for any kind of assistance as, “there is a great want of surgeons here… women are needed here very badly, anyone who is willing to go to field hospitals,” (Block 204). Hancock is genuinely concerned for the well being of these men, something she very clearly displays in both letters. 1863, as dated at the top of each letter, marks the battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War era. Cornelia Hancock is one out of many people who can confirm the deadliness of the Civil War. Nina Silber, a history professor at Boston University, affirms that, “many women quickly realized that domestic life, in wartime, was hardly a scene of considerable interest or excitement,” (Block 215). Instead women played a huge role during the war, whether they were nursing soldiers back to health or using their homes as refuges and safe …show more content…
The Louisianan Sarah Morgan, for one, had proudly proclaimed herself as a rebel. “I confess myself a rebel, body and soul,” (Block 202). Block gives the reader insight on a rebellious woman, Sarah Morgan, who is by nature a caregiver. It is evident in her entry that Sarah Morgan has rebelled, as she goes out of her way to prove her rebellion. Yet the unveiling of her natural tendency does not go unnoticed as she says, “Only wish I could fight in the ranks with out brave soldiers. But if I cant fight, being unfortunately a woman, which I now regret for the first time in my life, at least I can help in other ways,” (Block 202). Yes, Sarah Morgan is proclaiming herself as a rebel, but Sarah Morgan is proclaiming much more than just her rebellion. Although not said in too many words, Morgan implies that because of her nature she cannot fight the war, but she will continue to help, as she is proud of her
As a matter of fact Hancock was so concerned for the men who had not yet been treated that in both her letters she discretely asks her cousin and sister for any kind of assistance as, “there is a great want of surgeons here… women are needed here very badly, anyone who is willing to go to field hospitals,” (Block 204). Hancock is genuinely concerned for the well being of these men, something she very clearly displays in both letters. 1863, as dated at the top of each letter, marks the battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War era. Cornelia Hancock is one out of many people who can confirm the deadliness of the Civil War. Nina Silber, a history professor at Boston University, affirms that, “many women quickly realized that domestic life, in wartime, was hardly a scene of considerable interest or excitement,” (Block 215). Instead women played a huge role during the war, whether they were nursing soldiers back to health or using their homes as refuges and safe …show more content…
The Louisianan Sarah Morgan, for one, had proudly proclaimed herself as a rebel. “I confess myself a rebel, body and soul,” (Block 202). Block gives the reader insight on a rebellious woman, Sarah Morgan, who is by nature a caregiver. It is evident in her entry that Sarah Morgan has rebelled, as she goes out of her way to prove her rebellion. Yet the unveiling of her natural tendency does not go unnoticed as she says, “Only wish I could fight in the ranks with out brave soldiers. But if I cant fight, being unfortunately a woman, which I now regret for the first time in my life, at least I can help in other ways,” (Block 202). Yes, Sarah Morgan is proclaiming herself as a rebel, but Sarah Morgan is proclaiming much more than just her rebellion. Although not said in too many words, Morgan implies that because of her nature she cannot fight the war, but she will continue to help, as she is proud of her