Nursing and the Home Front
Although traditionally a man's job, nursing became a common place for patriotic women to devote their time and energy during the Civil War. Many men, especially doctors, were outraged by this intrusion and demanded that women be removed from their new positions. However, the lack of nurses meant that it was necessary for women to step up. Deemed improper for women to nurse in hospitals, they steadfastly continued despite opposition. Some even took wounded soldiers into their own homes to nurse them.
In addition to nursing, women who stayed on the home front still made significant contributions. Simple tasks like making bandages and uniforms or sending food baskets to the soldiers were more helpful than they appear to be. Some of them even held fundraisers to get money to purchase medical supplies, ammunition, and food for their fighting men. Especially in the South where there was a smaller population and more farmland, women had to work in factories and run their farms by themselves.
In addition to nursing, women who stayed on the home front still made significant contributions. Simple tasks like making bandages and uniforms or sending food baskets to the soldiers were more helpful than they appear to be. Some of them even held fundraisers to get money to purchase medical supplies, ammunition, and food for their fighting men. Especially in the South where there was a smaller population and more farmland, women had to work in factories and run their farms by themselves.