Is Clara Barton A True Hero

A hero, as defined in Webster’s Online Dictionary, is a person who “a person admired for achievements or noble qualities” or “one who shows great courage.” However, a hero is not just a person with outstanding achievements. A hero is a person who is philanthropic, generous, and kind. Heros fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and do not judge those who they are fighting for. They are charitable in ways other than donating money, they give their time and effort in order to make the lives of others more pleasant. Heros display bravery, as they are willing to go into a dangerous situation to help others that have been aggrieved. Social pressures and judgements do not affect a hero’s willingness to help others, and they are willing to push through what others say

Clara Barton, born Clarissa Harlowe Barton, is one of the most significant figures in US history. Barton is well known for being a female pioneer in the field of teaching, as well as for her work in the US patent office during the Civil war. These feats alone make her a historical figure; however, she is also known for something which far surpasses these accomplishments. Clara Barton is recognized and remembered today for her extraordinary work as a nurse during the American Civil War, and for going on to establish the American Red Cross. (Clara Barton; Clara Barton)

The three articles I am using as support for my research paper are Clara Barton: Teacher, Nurse, Civil War Heroine, Founder of the American Red Cross written by Gerald Evans, The Life and Work of Clara Barton written by Ida Husted Harper, and The Role of Gender, Phrenology, Discrimination and Nervous Prostration in Clara Barton’s Career written by Allen Spiegel. All of these articles present relevant information about the inspirations and challenges Clara Barton experienced through her work in the medical field, and her overall influence and inspiration she had on others through her founding of the American Red Cross.

I chose Clara Barton because of the work that she did. I knew that women were involved in the Civil War but did not know to what extent. When the war broke out she volunteered at the Washington Infirmary. The text book stated that she was one of the first to volunteer. She won permission to nurse the wounded on the battle fields (“Clara Barton”, 2). She brought supplies on three wagons to the Battle of Antietam (2). She travelled with her wagons throughout the war helping the wounded Union soldiers and the Confederate prisoners. Most of the supplies were purchased through private donations and Barton’s own money (2). In 1880 she founded the American Red Cross after a trip in 1869 to Geneva, Switzerland as a

Clara Barton is woman of many talents who used herself to help others. Clara Barton is most known for being the founder of the American Red Cross. She also was one of the most influential women during the civil war. However, it’s more to Clara Barton than just the American Red Cross. She was a woman who accomplished great things in an era where it wasn’t common for women to step up.

I, Clara Barton, am significant in American history. I am most commonly known for founding the American Red Cross. Before that, I grew up on a farm with my parents and four siblings, went to school, and was employed in the patent office and as a nurse. Without me, life today would be much different.

Clara Barton once said " I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight I can stand and feed and nurse them", Barton is trying to say that you should never be afraid to take risks and even the smallest things can be the most important. Clara Barton was a strong woman not only that but a hero. After researching Clara Barton it is evident that she is a hero because she faced adversities, impacted others, and demonstrated heroic traits.

Clara Barton “I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.” Clara Barton made a great difference when she discovered the American Red Cross and led it for twenty years. Not many people value this women because at the time women weren’t able to teach or help during the Civil War. Clara was an unstoppable woman because no matter what the consequence was she did what she had to do. Clara Barton is a giving and caring women that led the American Red Cross in 1881.

In 1881 Barton had started the American Red Cross. She herself was the president. Her efforts brought the U.S to sign the Geneva Convention a year later. In 1882 she traveled to help the wounded from fires in Michigan, and earthquakes in Charleston, South Carolina. Along the Ohio River there were flood victims and she went there to help. She did many other things for those who needed her help. Not because she had to but, because she wanted to and that was the kind of person she was.

Clara Barton said, “Offering a hand up is not a hand out”. This means to help people through their problems until they are able to solve them on their own. Clara Barton is most known for establishing the American Red Cross. Although, her many helpful, selfless careers, personal life and family, childhood, and all of her amazing accomplishments throughout her life helped her become known as the Angel of the Battlefield and a well known women of war.

“For my soldiers I will stay. For I am one of them as well and by their side I will remain.” I wonder if Clara Barton spoke to herself in that very same way…Get your eyes ready to take a journey through the life of one of the great women who aided our soldiers; far back before we were born. Clarrisa Harlowe Barton, later known as Clara, was born on Christmas day in 1821. She was the fifth and youngest child of Sarah Stone and Stephen Barton in Oxford, Massachusetts. Her father was well known because of the local Universalist church. She remembered the church as austere, with tall box pews and high narrow seats (Goodwin, 1).

Barton was one of the most courageous women in the world and risked her life multiple times for others life. Clara was one of the first volunteers to appear at Washington Infirmary to cure wounded soldiers. Clara’s father’s death made a great impact on her choices and because of this she wanted to work on the battlefields instead of the city hospitals. Her presence and the large amounts of supplies were very appreciated at the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg). (http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/biographies/clara-barton.html).

The American Red Cross is a Non-Profit organization dedicated to serving members of the American armed forces and their families, as well as supplying disaster relief in the United States and across the nation. This reputable organization was founded in May 21, 1881 by one of the most honored women in America’s history; Clarissa “Clara” Harlowe Barton. Barton was born on Christmas Day 1821 in Oxford, Massachusetts. She was the youngest of five children her father was captain of the local army and a government official in oxford, while her mother was an independent women known for her prudence. Clara grew up in a home with two male figures who participated in the armed forces, therefore she was taught the necessities

December 25th, 1821 was a special day for the Barton family, but not just because it was Christmas. On that day, a child was born: Clarissa Harlowe Barton. She not only had many talents, but she also was highly intelligent, determined while on the job, and motherly to the people she served - despite having no children. Clara is one of the most popular women nurses that worked on the Civil War battlefield and saved many lives. She even started a foundation that continues to serve people in life threatening events. Her life leading up to her fame impacted her choices, as well as other people. Today, her legacy still lives on to inspire many.

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,