Two Major Accomplishments for Women During the Civil War

Susan B. Anthony, a prominent abolitionist and suffragette
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The surge of female participation in the workforce and the abolition of slavery represent two major accomplishments for American women during the Civil War years. During the war itself, the women's suffrage movement paused as women diverted their energy to "war work." For the first time in American history, women came together by the thousands to join wartime volunteer brigades, work as nurses, and support aid societies. Suffragists also worked on behalf of the anti-slavery movement, a policy success that helped women develop campaign techniques that would ultimately be employed in their fight to win the vote.

1 Work to Support War Effort and Abolition

With the occupation of men into military service, women entered occupations previously reserved for men, taking jobs as bookkeepers, shop clerks and secretaries. Women gained particular prominence for their work as nurses, with many caring for injured soldiers at the front lines. Female-led anti-slavery societies emphasized a moral pressure to release African-Americans from the bonds of slavery and campaigned for racial equality. The passage of the 13th Amendment, which guaranteed the freedom of African-Americans, strengthened the campaign for female enfranchisement in the United States. Women, however, would not receive voting rights until the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Ashley Portero has been covering state and national politics since 2011. Her work has appeared in "The Boston Globe," "The Boston Business Journal" and the "International Business Times." She received a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Emerson College.

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