One memoir about life during the Civil War was written by a woman who led an extraordinary life. S. Emma E. Edmonds was born in Canada in 1841. Treated poorly by her father, she left home and came to America as a teenager. But because she was alone, she did not come as herself. Instead, she arrived in the United States posing as a man, and she maintained her disguise when she began to work as a traveling salesman.
Why would she disguise herself as a man?
There are a few reasons why S. Emma E. Edmonds disguised herself as a man. One reason was likely for personal safety and protection. Traveling alone as a woman during that time period could be dangerous, especially considering the lack of rights and opportunities for women. By posing as a man, she may have felt more secure and less vulnerable to potential harm.
Additionally, disguising herself as a man would have allowed Edmonds to have access to roles and opportunities that were otherwise restricted to men. Women during the Civil War era were not typically allowed to serve in the military or have certain jobs that were considered male domains. By assuming a masculine identity, Edmonds was able to navigate through society without the restrictions imposed upon women.
Furthermore, disguising herself as a man may have also been a practical decision in order to earn a living. As a traveling salesman, Edmonds likely recognized that presenting herself as a man would make it easier to gain trust and conduct business transactions in a society where women were not commonly seen in such roles.
Overall, by assuming a male identity, Edmonds was able to overcome societal limitations and carve out a unique path for herself during a time when women's opportunities were profoundly limited.
S. Emma E. Edmonds disguised herself as a man for a few reasons:
1. Independence and Freedom: By posing as a man, Edmonds could enjoy a greater degree of independence and freedom than she would have had as a woman during that time period. Women faced more restrictions and limited opportunities compared to men, so assuming a male identity allowed her to navigate the world more freely.
2. Employment Opportunities: As a traveling salesman, Edmonds could access better employment opportunities by presenting herself as a man. Women were often limited to domestic and lower-paying jobs, so by posing as a man, she could work in fields traditionally reserved for men, and potentially earn a higher income.
3. Personal Safety: Traveling alone as a woman during that time was risky, with higher chances of facing danger or harassment. Dressing as a man provided Edmonds with a layer of protection, as it reduced the likelihood of being targeted or seen as vulnerable.
4. Pursuing her Passion: Edmonds might have disguised herself as a man in order to pursue her ambitions and passions. By assuming a male identity, she could actively participate in activities and careers that were otherwise closed off to women. This allowed her to explore new avenues and challenge societal norms.
It is important to note that Edmonds' decision to disguise herself as a man was a personal choice and specific to her circumstances.
To understand why S. Emma E. Edmonds chose to disguise herself as a man, we need to take a closer look at the historical context and circumstances she faced.
During the 19th century, society had very rigid gender expectations and restrictions placed upon women. Women were typically confined to domestic roles and had limited opportunities for education or professional advancement. In contrast, men had more freedom and authority in society, which allowed them access to better opportunities for work, education, and autonomy.
Given these societal constraints, many women sought ways to escape their restrictive roles and pursue greater independence. Disguising oneself as a man was one way some women found to navigate societal barriers and gain access to opportunities traditionally reserved for men.
In Edmonds' case, her decision to disguise herself as a man was likely motivated by a desire for freedom, adventure, and the ability to support herself financially. By posing as a man, she could work as a traveling salesman and travel freely without the societal restrictions placed upon women at the time. This disguise allowed her to escape the limitations of her gender and navigate a male-dominated world.
It's important to understand that Edmonds' choice to disguise herself as a man was a personal decision made in response to the limitations and opportunities available to women during that time period. Through her memoir, she shares her unique perspective and experiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by women during the Civil War era.