Women in the Civil War Essay Example for Free

Women in the Civil War Essay In American society during the 19th Century, men and women occupied different realms. Women dealt with private affairs, while men were in charge of public matters. When the Civil War broke out, the rigid distinction between the sexes became flexible. Women changed because the war allowed them to expand their roles to become active in the realm that previously isolated them. From housewives, women became doctors, nurses, and spies. Some even did the extreme; they assumed a masculine appearance to join the army. The concealment of their gender proved to be the downside of the changes in women during the war. They may have had relevant contributions in the war, but it was left unrecognized because of its concealed nature. The Civil War was a defining moment in American history. It was the event which determined the fate of the nation as the American community was divided into two opposing sides. It was also a time of significant social change. The realm of war previously belonged to the men; it was the male soldiers who fought in the battlefields. However, the Civil War altered the situation. The status of women dramatically changed as they became active participants in the war effort. Indeed, the Civil War opened many opportunities for women and allowed them to be active members of society. This research paper aims to discuss how women changed during the American Civil War, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the said changes. In the 19th Century America, men dominated society and women were regarded as inferior to them. Women lived under the authority of the opposite sex, either that of the father, husband or another relative (Massey, 1994). They were confined in the domestic sphere; their main concerns were their home and family. Women had no voice in the political arena because only the men had dealt with public affairs. Not only was it objectionable for women to fulfill men’s jobs, it was also disagreeable for them to wear men’s clothes (Eggleston, 2003). When the Civil War began, the social lines were blurred. Women suddenly were presented the chance to go beyond their realm and participate in the world of men. They were given roles and jobs that were not accessible to them before. Both the Union and the Confederacy allowed women to take part in the war effort. For the first time, the government allowed women to become doctors and nurses (Eggleston, 2003). Women also served as messengers and spies. Meanwhile, there are also those women whose contributions were domestic in nature; these include cooking, as well as mending and sewing uniforms for the soldiers (Eggleston, 2003; Silber, 2005). These activities may have been the same as those women were tasked to do in the past; however, there was a significant change. Before, women only did those jobs due to the necessity in the household. During the war, the women did those jobs due to the necessity of the nation. Their domestic activities were no longer performed for private purposes; they had become part of the public affairs. However, women were not merely passive participants. They were also directly involved in the war effort as soldiers. The battlefield was reserved for males, but the females eventually found themselves fighting the same war. Women became soldiers by concealing their real identities (Eggleston, 2003). There were many reasons why women opted to disguise themselves as male soldiers. There were those who fought in the war to either escape from their betrothal or to be with their loved ones. Some saw the war as an adventure and craved its excitement. There were others who saw fighting for its financial benefits and the opportunity to better provide for their families. Meanwhile, there were women who took part in the Civil War for more noble reasons; they went to war because they were compelled by duty and patriotism (Eggleston, 2003). Women had to resort to extreme measures to appear like male soldiers. There were women who were immediately discharged because the way they acted revealed their real identities (Eggleston, 2003). Meanwhile, there were women who dramatically changed their actions and behavior before enlistment to successfully disguise themselves. They modified the color of their complexion and learned how to chew tobacco. They used vests with pads to conceal their breasts; the pads also made them seem more bulky and masculine (Eggleston, 2003). Having women disguised as men in war had its share of difficulties. The problems arose from the different toilet habits as well as other personal routines (Eggleston, 2003). Nonetheless, the recruitment of young men in the army proved to be advantageous for the female soldiers. The army consisted mostly of boys, who were still shy and reserved around each other. Most of them were hesitant to relieve themselves in the company of other soldiers; to attend their toilet needs, they had to hide in the woods or others areas which offered privacy. The meek nature of young men was beneficial for the female soldiers because it allowed them to seek privacy without appearing unusual. In addition, the young men of the army have not yet started shaving, so it did not appear unusual for the females if they did not shave (Eggleston, 2003). It is remarkable that women have finally reached the public realm during the Civil War, even if they had to pretend as men to do so. However, that kind of participation had disadvantages. Women who had successfully kept their real identities hidden as part of the army suffered all the difficulties which came with war (Eggleston, 2003). Female soldiers were held captive by their opponents, brought to prison camps and killed in the battlefields. There were those who perished and buried without their real identities discovered. Because women soldiers were not supposed to be fighting in the war, their participation in the war was previously not acknowledged. There were even those who denied the direct involvement of women as soldiers (Blanton, n. d. ). The non-recognition of women fighters in the Civil War prevented the discovery of the total number of female soldiers who offered their services. The numbers available on record are merely estimates. This situation posited a real problem, as it undermined and ignored the contributions of women in the battlefield. During the American Civil War, women changed because they went beyond the roles that were initialed assigned to them. The war effort presented them to enter the public realm of men and participate in it. Women had indeed changed during that time, as they progressed from housewives to participants in war. Women even came in disguise to become soldiers. While it is a great thing that women became active members of the community, some of their contributions were not recognized or accurately recorded because of their secret identities. Nonetheless, this does not diminish that fact that women were a significant part of the American Civil War. References Blanton, D. (n. d. ). Women soldiers and nurses of the American civil war. American Civil War Website. Retrieved March 13, 2009, from http://americancivilwar. com/women/index. html Eggleston, L. G. (2003). Women in the Civil War: Extraordinary Stories of Soldiers, Spies, Nurses, Doctors, Crusaders and Others. North Carolina: McFarland. Massey, M. E. (1994). Women in the Civil War. Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press. Siber, N. (2005). Daughters of the Union: Northern Women Fight the Civil War. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.

The Ku Klux Klan Essay -- african americans, civil war

At one point in time in the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan – KKK – had a total of more than 4 million members (History.com Staff)! Fortunately, its number of followers decreased rapidly throughout the century. However, this did not stop them from sticking their foot out in the path of the Civil Rights Movement. The Klan had many efforts to slow down the movement; but in the end, they failed to phase it. Actions that the Klan took were bombing and man-slaughtering (History.com Staff). The KKK also had a hand in the sabotage of the Freedom Riders (Fre14). Looking back on the Civil Rights Movement nowadays, some believe that the KKK actions actually gained support for integration. The Ku Klux Klan was created in 1866 and was embedded into nearly all the American southern states. White southerners used the group as a way to take action against Reconstruction after the American Civil War. Its name originated from the word â€Å"kyklos,† which translates to â€Å"circle† in the Greek language. Members believed they were part of the â€Å"Invisible Empire of the South.† Within this empire there was a hierarchy that consisted of a leader, known as the Grand Wizard, along with lower-ranking grand dragons, grand titans, and grand cyclopses. The Klan reached its highest point in the early part of the 1900s. Its number of members declined following this peak. There was a revival of KKK activities in the 60’s due to the Civil Rights Movement. Actions after that decade were rare and scattered throughout the rest of the century (History.com Staff). A very radical way that the KKK showed its opinions on civil rights for African Americans was bombing. A very infamous catastrophe was the bombing of a Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama. Racism, discrimination, and ... ...elt the pain of those who suffered, and their hearts were turned justice. No matter how many Klan members there are or what the Klan members did, the Civil Rights Movement saw no victory for the Ku Klux Klan. Works Cited Freedom Rides of 1961. n.d. 13 May 2014 . History.com Staff. Birmingham Church Bombing. 2014. A+E Networks. 16 April 2014 . —. Ku Klux Klan. 2014. A+E Networks. 29 April 2014 . The KKK kills three civil rights activists. 2014. 11 May 2014 . Viola Gregg Luizzo Biography. 2014. A&E Television Networks. 13 May 2014 .

Sexual Assault Law Reform

During the sass's -sass's significant law reform processes were initiated due to a lack f Just outcomes for the victim and a lack of support from society. Changes to legislation included the broadening of the definition of sexual assault, resulted in attention being taken away from the complainant's personality traits and sexual history and shifted attention too the accused behaviors. Further more it outlawed the Act of Martial rape entirely). This also helped to change victim's position in society, as rape victims were socially condemned because of their experiences.In spite of these significant changes sexual assault cases have the lowest record of lilts verdicts and the highest appeal rate of any crime per capita (Australian institute of family studies) . This assessment will firstly examine the condition in society, which led to the law reform mechanism in the ass's. These reforms were amendments to the Crimes Act 1900. A case study will highlight the condition, which led to thes e changes. Following will identify and evaluate further significant amendments of the crimes act and their changes to legislation.A case study will also highlight this, demonstrating the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of these changes. Further on will include another law reform, discussing its flaws and fairness to society and victims. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, women were deemed as property of their father or husbands. Throughout this period sexual assault was known as rape. Any form of rape was viewed as damaging or devaluing a mans property. This reflects a completely male dominated society, where as women are viewed as objects, instead of human beings.The heinous act of marital rape was not seen as a recognizable constitutional offence and was not punishable, as men were ranted marital immunity and a right to sexually involve himself with his partner regardless. As Sir Matthew Hale, Chief Justice, mid-17th century, England said â€Å"The husband cannot be guilty of rape committed by himself upon his lawful wife, for by their mutual matrimonial consent and contract the wife hath given up herself in this kind unto her husband, which she cannot retract†. Hale 2014) Traditionally victims in court were cross-examined using intimidation and humiliating techniques, degrading the victims integrity, twisting events and manipulating laws and precedents in order to disprove sexual offence allegations. Defendants in court were protected by highlighting that victims were ‘asking to be sexually assaulted by dressing seductively or acting in a licentious manner, while also making references to their sexual history. It was also commonly believed, that if a victim failed to report the incident immediately, it was a false allegation.This indicates a lack of procedural fairness, as victims were not given the right of a fair trail, reflecting unjust and unfair social values. Outcomes were influenced by gender, instead of fact, contradicting an ethi cal and Just legal system. (Laughlin, Van De Catch, Mays, & Hunter, 2007). The ease of VGA v the Queen provides evidence of a case highlighting an ineffective Justice system before significant law reforms. The defendant (VGA) was charged in 2010 for the rape of his spouse in 1963.While in court, he argued that he could not be effectively prosecuted because Martial rape was not a recognized crime and did not exist in any form of legislation at the time. He also argued that if he was found guilty, it would break the doctrine against the retrospective application of laws. Prior to law reform, this evidence implies a weak court procedure and subsequent lack of just outcomes for the victim (Boney, 1985). On July 14th 1981, sparked by female advocacy, representing victims of gender inequality, the NEWS government passed the Crime (Sexual Assault) Amendment act 1981.This amendment was a change to the Crimes Act 1900. The aims of the legislation were to make significant changes too flawed l egal system, for both society and victims. It was anticipated that the amendments would protect complainants from further discrimination under the legal system; raise the number of assault reports and sentences; speed up the process of Justice along with the conviction of Guilty party's, whilst maintaining the invitational rights of the accused and serve as a platform for educating the community in changing their attitudes towards victims of sexual assault (Boney, 1985).The common law charge of Rape and attempted rape were revoked and replaced within three sections of sexual assault. They differed in seriousness and also level of sentencing. The definition of sexual intercourse was broadened to include a larger span of sexual acts. The husband and youth under 14 immunity acts were revoked, making marital rape a recognized and punishable crime. The amendment also introduced legislation, which discredited a victim's sexual history as sable evidence. (Boney, 1985) The crimes (Sexual As sault) Amendment Act 1981 are the most important part of sexual assault law reform history.It improved society opinion of victims and increased confidence to report assault.. Although it did raise the number of sexual assault being reported, if failed to critically increase the number of guilty verdicts. Less than fifty percent of the defendants appearing in court are sentenced as guilty (Boney, 1985) . In response to a series of brutal gang rapes in Sydney in 2001, the NEWS government introduced further changes to the Crimes act 1900. This was called the Crimes Amendment (aggravated sexual assault in company) 2001.Aggravated sexual assault is defined as sexual assault in circumstance of aggravation, inflicting grievous bodily hard, committing the offence while being in a group of people, kidnapping the victim or the victim being under consensual age or the victim have a serious physical or psychological disability, thus ruling out the possibility of willing consent. (NEWS Victims s ervices Attorney general and Justice) This legislation was enacted for the purpose of discouraging gangs of predominantly males of committing gang rape.Gang rape is the act of a group of sexual assault offenders committing the act of sexual assault on one or more victims one after the other. It gave Judges a set life sentence for the crime of gang rape, instead punishment as they see fit. The case below analyses the implications of a lack of a set sentence and the problems that arise (The Free Dictionary – 2014) . In 2002 a series of gang rapes occurred throughout the city of Sydney, lead by Muslim man, Bilabial USAF.USAF and his accomplices were charged with multiple offences including aggravated indecency, perverting the course of Justice, aggravated sexual intercourse thou consent and aggravated indecent assault in company. Multiple victims suffered at the hands of USAF and his followers, some of these accomplices being his own relations (NEWS parliament library research p rogram) . USAF was originally sentenced to fifty-five years in Goal with no Parole. This sentence was later reduced to forty-six year after an appeal to the criminal court, to which e appealed again and was granted 26 years.The importance of this case is the legal issues that were raised which led to significant amendments. Some of these issues are as follows (HOC Legal studies topic). Due to a Jury misconduct during Safe court procedure, Safe case was retried. This caused a backlash in society due to wasted taxpayer money, based on Safe need for legal aid. He demanded a Muslim lawyer, after claiming all white lawyers were racist. This reflects a waste of society resources (HOC Legal studies topic). In addition to this issue, there was the emotional instability from the victims of USAF at the thought of refining him in court.One victim quoted ‘ I wish they were dead, run over by a bus†. The victim highlights the ineffectiveness and insensitivity of the legal system. The fact of a re-trial demonstrates natural Justice for the accused, but demonstrates unjust gaps for the victim (HOC Legal studies topic). Due to the re-trial in the case, a victim impact statement was necessary. The psychological and physical impact on the victim caused by Safe actions was substantial. The idea of victims refining their attackers more than once highlight the inefficacy of the court system and the disregard to victim's state of mind.For these reasons, a victim impact statement was introduced (HOC Legal studies topic). A significant issue raised, was the matter of the original entente. In his case, USAF was sentenced to fifty-five years for Gang- rape. This contradicts legal logic, as the sentence far outweighs the punishment for murder, which carries a sentence of twenty-five years. This encourages other sexual offenders to not only sexually assault their victims but to murder victims and dispose of incriminating evidence ( HOC Legal studies topic).Although in contrast to the previous point, Safe reduced sentence labels the legal system as flawed and weak. A Victim quoted ‘The court system is riddled with flaws'. Reports from the media have valued the continuation of Safe psychopathic behavior, in spite of receiving a life sentence. In 2003 the media obtained pictures of Safe goal cell, where he had drawn pictures of him sexually assaulting women. This further more let down society, as they believed the sentence was too lenient, and a waste of taxpayers money (HOC Legal studies topic).It was for these reasons the government introduced the Crimes Sexual Assault in Company Act . It gives Judges the power to condemn life sentences with no racial implications. It gave society and victims a stronger sense of satisfaction tit the fact of a set sentence for the crime. It benefits society in the way that their resources are being wasted on accused demands for legal aid, as it is difficult to battle for a reduced sentence. It assisted to neutralist the inconsistencies in the court systems that as evidence shows in the prior case are common ( HOC Legal studies topic).In 2007 the NEWS Government introduced the Crimes Amendment (Consent – Sexual Assault Offences) Act 2007, which was an Amendment of the Crimes Act 1900. The legislation amended the legal definition of consent, and the finite requirements needed to engage in sexual behavior with another person. It also gave explicit examples where consent cannot be given (NEWS attorney and general) . The legislation redefined the statutory definition on consent and put emphasis on outlining when and when a victim may or may not have the ability to consent in sexual behaviors.The amendment stated that if a person is, heavily intoxicated with drugs or alcohol, unconscious, asleep, harassed or extorted to engage or forced from a position of power and authority, consent has legally not been given ( NEWS attorney and general). The legislation has also provided a significant change in court procedure. The reforms have made it so the responsibility of proving beyond reasonable doubt in regards to consent is now the task of the defendant. Prior to the law reform it was the job of the complainants prosecution.It has also served an educative purpose, in the way that it lets members of society know the correct procedures in assuring consent ( NEWS attorney and general). The legislation is balanced with both positive and negative factors. It is now the responsibility of the defense to prove there was consent, which in some cases can be adequately difficult, sometimes impossible to prove † beyond reasonable doubt†. This provides instability on the ground of Justice, as in some cases allegations are proven to be false (NEWS attorney and general).The Consent (sexual offences) act provides Justice and fairness for victims, but also provides complications for defendants charged under false allegations. There is a mixture of both fair and unfair qualities in the legislation (NEWS attorney and general). In conclusion evidence provided regarding reforms, cases and legislation highlight he positive and negative qualities of Justice for victims, defendants and society as a whole. Fact suggests that the legal system struggles to satisfy society and victim simultaneously while keeping the conventional criminal rights and procedural for defendants intact.Facts from the cases have outlined the flaws in our legal system whether it is under common or stature law. In order to maximize the effectiveness of legal system and the conditions of our statuary law reforms, the public must be made more aware of the rules and regulations regarding sexual assault. Then and only then, will we have a Just and fair society. References Mileage P, Dally K, Webster P, corn D, Kelly T (2009). Cambridge Legal Studies – Preliminary Second Edition – London. Conventional and innovative Justice responses to sexual violence.

Analysis Of Woodrow Wilson s The Straw That Broke The...

Following WW1, Europe was left in a bad state. Empires were destroyed and states were being formed. The Minority question that arose following the war, albeit important, was not as much of a destabilizing force in this time as people like to think. It was only the byproduct of events that took place. These events include the publishing of the fourteen points, the settlements made during the Paris Peace conference, and the creation of state constitutions. The minority question was, in essence, the straw that broke the camel’s back, breaking the already damaged infrastructure of post war Europe. In order to answer the question on why minority rights became such a destabilizing force after the war, we must first look at what caused this problem to become the forefront of many European minds. Two pivotal events took place following the war that left stains on Europe; stains that, to some, indirectly led to the start of World War 2. The first and most important event was the publishing of Woodrow Wilson s fourteen points on January 8, 1918. These points were created in the hope to promote peace and harmony among the recently war stricken nations of Europe. One prominent point that came from this document was the idea of self-determination. This encouraged people to form their own nation where they could choose rulers and live amongst others who share the same culture. This piqued the interest of the millions of people living in the various, and heavilyShow MoreRelatedOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This C hange Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pages Agricultural and Pastoral Societies in Ancient and Classical History Jack Metzgar, Striking Steel: Solidarity Remembered Janis Appier, Policing Women: The Sexual Politics of Law Enforcement and the LAPD Allen Hunter, ed., Rethinking the Cold War Eric Foner, ed., The New American History. Revised and Expanded Edition E SSAYS ON _ T WENTIETH- C ENTURY H ISTORY Edited by Michael Adas for the American Historical Association TEMPLE UNIVERSITY PRESS PHILADELPHIA Temple