Final answer:
Propriety and husbands of the time did not permit wives to engage in political activities or speak out against the war publicly. Women's roles were strictly defined and limited, despite them shouldering significant responsibilities during the war. Some legal and social rights were gained postwar, but women's political rights remained minimal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout the futile war, propriety and husbands did not permit their wives to engage in political activities or express their opinions openly. The societal norms and religious customs of the time relegated women to be second-class citizens in their own homes, without the right to vote or access to formal education. Despite the heavy responsibilities they shouldered during the war, including running farms and businesses and raising children alone, their contributions were often dismissed and their calls for rights largely ignored.Specifically, women were expected to follow strict societal roles that prevented them from speaking out against the war or engaging in political activities. These constraints largely remained even after the war ended, with an expectation that women would return to their previous, subservient roles. Even as women hoped the war might address some inequalities they faced, they received little support for their rights both in the private sphere and the political landscape. However, slight improvements in the status of women emerged postwar, notably in increased social and legal rights, such as greater property rights for single women and widows, and the notion of Republican motherhood that emphasized the importance of women's role in educating their children.Conclusion Despite the hardships of war, women's roles remained heavily restricted by societal expectations and legal limitations. While some advancements were made, such as changes in divorce proceedings and property rights, the war did not lead to significant political rights for women. Instead, it reinforced the stereotype that a woman's place was in the private sphere, caring for the family, though their war efforts were critical to the struggle.