Women In US History Exam 2

Maria Isabelle “Belle” Boyd

The “Siren of Shenandoah”. A badass woman who became a spy for the Confederacy and used her sexuality for “The Cause” (Civil War — 1861-1865). She shot a Union soldier right in the face for trying to take over her house. She’d flirt with Union soldiers for secret intel and share it with the South. Even shared intel with Stonewall Jackson.

Dorthea L. Dix

She assembled a brigade of nurses to help care for soldiers hurt in the Civil War. Women were seen as having a natural tendency for caring and nurturing (maternalism). Dorthea L. Dix was a prominent reformer who played a crucial role in the establishment of the United States Army Nurse Corps and advocated for the care of the mentally ill, emphasizing women’s role in nursing during the Civil War (1860s).

Frances Willard (F Dubs)

“Women must show power... for power is always respected whether it comes in the form of a cyclone or a dewdrop.” She is the “dewdrop" from our first triumvirate, aka Master Manipulator (in a positive way). FDubs was the first female professor at NWU! She was a key player in the temperance movement, getting elected as the president of the WCTU in 1879. Under her leadership, she expanded their reach into a national organization (NCWTU). It was about much more than just good sober habits; she also expanded their mission to include women achieving equality in America.

Margaret Sanger

A social reformer who spearheaded the fight for reproductive rights in America. She founded the organizations that would later merge to become Planned Parenthood. Lived from 1879-1966. She worked as a nurse in the slums of New York. She opened the very first birth control clinic in America in 1916 in Brooklyn, NY… and was immediately arrested for doing so. Her legacy lives on to this day regarding women’s access to birth control, medical care, and information through Planned Parenthood.

Victoria C. Woodhull (Vickie Woods)

She was a huge advocate for women’s suffrage and also for women’s right to get a divorce. She charged into Congress in 1870 and pounded her fist on the podium, saying the 14th and 15th Amendments were “null & void” because they didn’t include women. Attempted to vote (and encouraged other women to do the same) in 1871 and was arrested. In 1872 she ran for president!

Madame Mustache

Also known as Eleanor Dumont. A renowned Wild West Madame who was considered quite exotic because of her glorious mustache. She lived from 1829-1879. Possibly born in New Orleans, moved to California, spent some years in Nevada, then back to CA. Her husband abandoned her and she shot him, then went back to CA, where she lost lots of $ and died by suicide.

Chipeta

A female leader of the Ute Indians who rose to power when her husband Chief Ouray died. She was never called a chief, but rather “Queen of The Ute”. She was born near Conejos, Colorado, near Colorado’s southern border. She lived from 1843-1924 and was Queen of the Ute for 44 years, from 1880 until her death. The Ute People still live on today, thanks to Chipeta’s amazing leadership.

Communal Village

A small isolated community in the West of around 50-70 Mexican people who worked together/helped one another. Had a trade and barter system which later evolved into men leaving to go make money outside their communities. This allowed the women to showcase their “machisma” and further defy gender stereotypes. Women were building houses and doing manual labor even more than before in the absence of men. Santa Fe, New Mexico actually started as a communal village.

Dora Dufran (Diddlin’ Dora)

The Black Hills’ Leading Madame, aka “Diddlin Dora” Dufran. Was also a philanthropist and valued community member. Born in England, migrated to Nebraska, ultimately ended up in Rapid City, South Dakota. Lived from 1874- 1934. Diddlin Dora’s Parlor House advertised the 3 D’s: Dining, Drinking, & Dancing. You can bring your mother! “Plenty of prostitution with more pussy now than ever before!” When she died, her obituary said, “today we mourn the passing of a respected social worker”.

Spiritualism

Started by two young girls, The Fox Sisters (Kate and Maggie Fox). Idea of communication with the dead/spirits. Rose to prominence in the mid 1800 in Upstate NY. People enjoyed the idea of being able to talk to their loved ones who had passed on and ask them questions, even after the girls admitted it was a ruse.