The anwser is Robert E Lee was in charge of the union army
Women's right varied from their social status. Royal women were able to participate in politics and economics. Where as women of low status were housewives, they just had children and cleaned. but in the early periods women respected more than men!
The Emancipation Proclamation changed the focus of the war.
Up until September 1862, the main focus of the war had been to preserve the Union. With the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation freedom for slaves now became a legitimate war aim.
It also allowed 'Colored' men to join the US Army.