How Did Clara Barton Contribute To The Civil War

Clara Barton became one of the most important women in American history for her role during the Civil War era helping others and empowering women. Prior to the war, Barton worked as a teacher. At the time, many teachers were men and she was one of the first teachers to gain employment from the federal government. She ended up eventually losing her job to a man. When the war broke out Barton was determined to help wounded soldiers despite the attitudes of men held towards working women. In Barton’s assessment, women forced their way into the war effort. “They saw, in high purpose, a duty to do. And the armor of right broke the barriers through. Uninvited, unaided, unsanctioned ofttimes, with pass, or without it, they pressed on

She decided to work near the battlefield because she knew that was where her services were needed most. For her efforts, she became known as the “Angel of the Battlefield.” She served the troops at many important battles, including Fairfax Station, Chantilly, Harper’s Ferry, South Antietam, Fredericksburg, Charleston, Petersburg, and Cold Harbor. She was very determined and also usually a step ahead of others in providing relief to wounded troops. At Antietam, she ordered her drivers to follow cannons and arrived ahead of military medical units. She was also not afraid of risking her life as she often put herself in dangerous situations to care for soldiers. “I always tried… to succor the wounded until medical aid and supplies could come up- I ran the risk; it made no difference to anyone if I were shot or taken prisoner.” She ended up coming down with typhoid fever, a very dangerous disease at the time but continued to work despite her illness. Not only did she nurse soldiers back to health, but she also provided additional services. She prayed wrote, and read to the soldiers during her time of serving as a nurse. She also became active in trying to locate missing

In the poem she recalls her experience serving near the battlefield. She addresses what it is like to be close to war, and also the stereotypes women faced with entering a new field outside of their normal domestic roles. She recalls the opinion of society in, “That the place for the women was in their homes there to patiently wait until victory comes.” Despite the doubts of men, women knew their services were needed even if they were not welcomed or appreciated. Despite these attitudes from men, Barton tone changes as she speaks of the importance of nurses and their contribution to the overall war. She emphasizes the strength women held during the war and that the tragedy that surrounded them. She describes her work in