It is strange to think that something so simple and not even in the forefront of our consciousness could transform the world. Women and their roles throughout history seem to be on the back burner of nearly every popular textbook. Yet without them, civilization would not be possible. Women are the shadowy figures that are never in the limelight but make the world go round. They served as wives, nurses, maids, support systems and even spies. Their pivotal roles in the most important events throughout history usually remain largely unknown. The Civil War is one of these crucial events where women shaped the outcome of history. Select women were able to excel as spies during the Civil War for both the Confederacy and the Union. This was primarily
…show more content…
Although many men became spies, women’s prominence was more effective. This was largely due to gender stereotyping during the 19th century. Women were assumed to be too stupid to gather intelligence or have any effect on the war efforts. Men would regularly talk openly in front of women about battle plans, strategic movements or new weaponry. Mary Elizabeth Bowser was one of Jefferson Davis’s slaves who relaid crucial information to northern generals. Davis assumed that his slave who never do anything to rebel, which might have cost him the war. Bowser listened in on important conversations and would sneak into Davis’s office while he was out and read his documents. She would memorize these documents due to her lack of writing ability and pass them on to union leaders during secret meetings (Spies). Even the men that knew women could read and write still underestimated their ability to comprehend the information being said. This provided women with the perfect opportunity to gather intelligence while remaining inconspicuous. Most men also assumed that women just stayed at home tending to domestic work. This provided a great alibi to women traveling across the country. They were assumed to be at home working and few would check on their whereabouts. Virginia Moon used the veil of visiting family to travel across the country (Fitz). She would travel to Ohio, where she was born, to gather supplies to bring to wounded troops in the South. She owned a large plantation in Virginia, but no one questioned her numerous trips to Ohio due to the fact that she claimed that she was visiting family and her boyfriend. One of the North’s best tactics was cutting off the transportation of supplies to the South. Since most items were produced in the North, the South struggled to gain even basic things like gauze. Women like Moon desperately needed by the Confederacy to help wounded soldiers. She also served as a nurse and eventually
Although many men became spies, women’s prominence was more effective. This was largely due to gender stereotyping during the 19th century. Women were assumed to be too stupid to gather intelligence or have any effect on the war efforts. Men would regularly talk openly in front of women about battle plans, strategic movements or new weaponry. Mary Elizabeth Bowser was one of Jefferson Davis’s slaves who relaid crucial information to northern generals. Davis assumed that his slave who never do anything to rebel, which might have cost him the war. Bowser listened in on important conversations and would sneak into Davis’s office while he was out and read his documents. She would memorize these documents due to her lack of writing ability and pass them on to union leaders during secret meetings (Spies). Even the men that knew women could read and write still underestimated their ability to comprehend the information being said. This provided women with the perfect opportunity to gather intelligence while remaining inconspicuous. Most men also assumed that women just stayed at home tending to domestic work. This provided a great alibi to women traveling across the country. They were assumed to be at home working and few would check on their whereabouts. Virginia Moon used the veil of visiting family to travel across the country (Fitz). She would travel to Ohio, where she was born, to gather supplies to bring to wounded troops in the South. She owned a large plantation in Virginia, but no one questioned her numerous trips to Ohio due to the fact that she claimed that she was visiting family and her boyfriend. One of the North’s best tactics was cutting off the transportation of supplies to the South. Since most items were produced in the North, the South struggled to gain even basic things like gauze. Women like Moon desperately needed by the Confederacy to help wounded soldiers. She also served as a nurse and eventually