Cross Dressers of the Civil War

In the Article, “Cross Dressers of the Civil War” author Veronica Majerol brings up surprising facts about The American Civil War. While most people think that only men fought in the infamous Civil War, it has been discovered that women also fought in the many battles. The Civil War took place many years before the women’s rights movement, and even though women were not allowed in the army, many enlisted after cutting their hair and making a fake man’s name. Marjerol explained the many reasons women enlisted, what she wrote were the top three? “…Love, money and patriotism.” Throughout the article, Majerol makes the point that women are just as able to be in the army as men.

            The author proves her point through very distinct craft moves. Majerol added a timeline to her article showing the evolution of women in the military. It helps prove her point because it shows the defiant yet empowering women who helped make gender equality changes in the military. Majerol also statistics from the book about the women who fought in the Civil War “They Fought Like Demons.” The statistics such as “14 percent of the women receiving promotions, compared to the 10 percent of men.” Quotes like these help explain to the reader that women, who were not even supposed to be in the army, could be superior to men.

            After reading this article I was reminded of the fictitious Disney movie Mulan. While I knew that women dressed up like men to go to war in Disney movies, I had no idea it also happened in America’s history. I have been learning about the Civil war in school, and like the author stated in the article the women stories of who fought in the war are virtually unknown. I believe that stories about the strong women who went to war would be a compelling addition to any Civil War curriculum.