Life on the Home Front

Women and the War

Pg. 164

Civilians and the War

• Civilians are people who are not in the military.

• Most civilians were women during the Civil War.

• Although they were not on the battle field in most cases, women did many things to support soldiers in both the North and the South.

How did women help?

• Women:– Took over factory jobs, business, and farm

jobs– Took on the responsibility of running

plantations– Sent food, clothing, bandages, and other

supplies to soldiers– Worked as nurses in field hospitals

Clara Barton

• She was a teacher and government clerk.

• She always tried to help people in need.

• Clara Barton followed the fighting from battle to battle, caring for sick and wounded Union soldiers.

• She founded the American Red Cross in 1881.

Women of the War

• Before the Civil War most nurses were women.

• Clara Barton and women like Sally Tompkins cared for wounded soldiers.

• Some women served as spies in the war.• A few even dressed as men, joined the

army, and fought in battles. • Some estimate that nearly 250 women

were part of the Confederate army.