Clara Barton The Civil War

War, it affects the world and everybody involved; the soldiers, government, and citizens. Most people only focus on the impact of it on the soldiers, but never take the time to think how it impacted the women at home and on the battlefield. The idea of a woman’s role in society has been ever-changing, and still is to this day. There was always a sense among women that they lacked in jobs and respect when compared to their male counterparts, but society never saw it, until the outbreak of the Civil War, that is. The Civil War was the turning point for women because it gave them jobs at home, on the battlefield, and created the Red Cross Society, giving women a chance to show the world what they have to offer. Just as there was a divide between
Barton was known as the angel of the battlefield. She was a well known school teacher before the war, and taught many of the soldiers. “Barton perceived an immediate need in all this chaos for providing personal assistance to the men in uniform, some of whom were already wounded, many hungry, and some without bedding or any clothing except what they had on their backs.” (Clara Barton). Upon hearing of the destruction caused by the war, and having relationships with many of the soldiers, she decided to do something. Her first action was to help the troops attacked in Baltimore, Maryland who were attacked while staying overnight in an unfinished building. She also provided clothing, food and medical supplies to the cold, hungry and wounded troops. Her non-stop dedication had not gone unnoticed, and was even recognized by Abraham Lincoln for her help in finding missing soldiers. “To the Friends of Missing Persons: Miss Clara Barton has kindly offered to search for the missing prisoners of war. Please address her . . . giving her the name, regiment, and company of any missing prisoner.” (Clara Barton). After this message, Barton was able to contact families and help put their worries to rest.
The biggest influence Clara Barton had was her creation of the Red Cross. After going abroad and seeing the International Red Cross set up by the Geneva convention and all the work they did for soldiers, Barton decided to create
Without the spark of equality and the taste of having responsibilities, our country would be nothing like it is today. Today, women are CEOs, doctors, and lawyers, something 19th century women would have only been able to dream of doing. According to Catalyst.com, women make up 45% of the workforce compared to 5% in the 1800s. The Red Cross society, created during the Civil War, greatly impacts America today as well. Currently, the Red Cross is the leading relief group in America, helping out in all crises (Red Cross). Thanks to the Civil War not only was slavery abolished, but a whole gender was impacted for generations to