In three to five sentences, describe the role women played in the Civil War.

During the Civil War, women played multifaceted roles that extended beyond traditional gender expectations. Many women assumed responsibilities on the home front, managing households and farms while their husbands were away. Others took on more active roles, joining women's volunteer organizations that provided aid and nursing services to soldiers. Some women even disguised themselves as men and fought in the war, while others worked as spies and gathered intelligence for their respective sides. Despite facing societal constraints, women's contributions during the Civil War challenged gender norms and helped shape the trajectory of the conflict.