Question

as the first african american woman to serve in the united states army, cathay williams is a remarkable figure in military history. born into slavery in 1844, she was freed when union troops occupied her home during the civil war. she then served as a cook and washerwoman for the army until the war ended. afterwards, there were few opportunities for women and even fewer for black women, so cathay chose a unique path. taking the name \william cathay,\ she pretended to be a man and enlisted in the army. she was sent to new mexico, where she served for two years before her secret was discovered. although she was immediately discharged, \william cathay\ had already made her mark in american history. based on clues in the passage, what was most likely true about the united states army in cathay williamss time? it had a surplus of troops after the war. it was unable to recruit enough troops. it did not allow women to serve. it paid more than most nonmilitary jobs.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the passage: Cathay Williams had to pretend to be a man ("William Cathay") to enlist in the army. This implies that women were not allowed to serve openly. The other options lack support: no info on troop surplus/recruitment issues, or military pay vs. non - military jobs.

Answer:

It did not allow women to serve.