American Red Cross
By: Ally and Jourden
frequently asked questions
- Who was Clara Barton ?
- How did she contribute to civil war ?
- What was the American Red Cross system ?
- How did the civil war benefit from the American Red Cross system ?
Clara Barton's early years
Born in Massachusetts in December 25, 1821, Clara Barton was the youngest of five children. Barton started her early education with practical experience, working as a clerk and book keeper for her oldest brother. She worked for several years as a teacher, and even started her own school in Bordentown, New Jersey in 1853. she then moved to the south to Washington, D.C. in search of a warmer climate. From 1854 to 1857 she was employed as a clerk in the Patent Office until her anti-slavery opinions made her too controversial.
Clara Barton
Clara is one of the most honored women in American History. By risking her life, she brought aid and supplies to soldiers on the field during Civil War as well as campaigned for an American Red Cross ratification of the Geneva convention protecting the sick and wounded during war. Some of her main goals were to pave a way for female leadership and provide an organized system of medical care to those in need.
Red Cross
On May 21,1881 Clara Barton and her acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in which provided humanitarian aid to victims of wars and natural disasters. Prior to the first world war, red cross introduced the first aid kit, public safety, and public health nursing programs. This system was dedicated to helping people in need throughout the world and brought reassurance to soldiers fighting with wounds.
Civil War benefits
American Red Cross supported soldiers during the Civil War by sending in aid and supplies during battles as well as at campsites. After the effects the civil war brought to America people believed the American Red Cross could bring the aid Americans needed for our soldiers, veterans, and citizens. This later encouraged the U.S. government to adopt the Geneva Convention (1882) which allowed the U.S, to join the American Red Cross.
Sources
http://www.redcross.org/about-us/history
http://www.redcross.org/about-us/history/clara-barton
http://www.redcross.org/about-us/history/red-cross-american-history/WWI
http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/biographies/clara-barton.html
History of the Red Cross The Treaty of Geneva, and Its Adoption by the United States. American Association of the Red Cross, 1883. Washington: Gov't. Print. Off., 1883. 234. Print.