Clara Barton
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: The 19th Century
- Categories: Women’s Issues, Education, Social Issues, Reform, and Protest, Medicine, Health
- Subcategories: Doctors, Physicians, Nurses, Philanthropy, Philanthropists, Humanitarian Aid, Disaster Relief
- Curriculum: American History 1901-1950, Women’s History, American History 1816-1855, American Civil War & Reconstruction Era (1856-1877), American History 1878-1900
Article abstract: After half a lifetime devoted to humanitarian pursuits, Barton became the key figure in establishing the American Red Cross.
Early Life
Clarissa Harlowe Barton (known as Clara) was influenced by her parents’ liberal political attitudes. The youngest child, Clara had identity problems which worsened when she showed interests in academic and other pursuits considered masculine. Farm work and nursing relatives who were ill, however, led her increasingly to connect approval and praise to helping others.
In 1836, Barton began...
[The entire page is 2501 words long]
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