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Clara Barton's Impact On American History

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Clara Barton
Clara Barton lived in a time when women were seemingly inferior, at a time when the roles she took on were unusual for her gender. Clara Barton lived and thrived in the midst of the American Civil War. Looked upon as “one of the most honored women in American history,” Barton impacted our country most significantly by establishing the American Red Cross, an organization that today provides disaster relief and other forms of medical assistance. For twenty three years, Barton led the organization that she had founded in 1881 at the age of sixty. The foundation of the Red Cross was inspired by her previous experiences. At a young age, Barton was a school teacher,—despite the fact that the occupation was usually taken on by men—took part in the federal government at the U.S. Patent office as a recording clerk—in fact, one of the first women to ever do such a thing—and gave her extra time to soldiers who were in need of medical supplies, food, clothes, …show more content…

Her active role in both the Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War and establishment of the Red Cross nearly redefined what it meant to be a volunteer, paving way to a new field of service. She was seen as a sense of hope on the battlefield, for no matter what time of day it was, she was there determined to make a difference, comfort soldiers, and provide her services. Unlike many others of her time, Barton was recorded as somebody who understood human needs, who was compassionate and sympathetic to people’s pain and desires. She was also known for her efforts in establishing a national cemetery in honor of the Union soldiers who died in the Andsersonville Prison. Though Barton herself died in April of 1912, her contribution to the United States is still present today, as the American Red Cross works everyday to provide people with assistance, no matter what gender, age,

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