HIST 339 Lecture 14: Tues March 10th
Document Summary
Before we begin talking about today"s women, professor will give some information on poor white women (since the reading focuses on the elite) For many women, their primary function was to marry these men. There were a few southern white women who joined the military (out of patriotic commitment, out of not wanting to be separated from their families, etc. ) or served as spies. Most women contributed to the war effort in other ways, mostly commonly through sewing societies organized through churches; they also raised money (through bazaars, plays, etc. ) Sometimes elite women would only send their resources to support officers, thus preserving the interests of their class. By 1862, enthusiasm among women for charitable work was waning. Many women were forced to work out of necessity for money; many would become teachers. Others worked for the treasury department to sign the treasury notes (using their elegant penmanship).
