Clara Barton

Portrait of Clara Barton, created by Matthew Brady (https://www.tampapix.com/barton.htm ())

"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. These are the words Clara Barton spoke to tell people why she chose to face danger and not be afraid of it. Clara Barton's actions show how she persevered through many difficult obstacles that got in her way. Barton, who was born on Christmas Day, 1821, and born in North Oxford, Massachusetts, has fought many battles ("Clara Barton"). She fought for permission to legally serve as a battlefield nurse in mid-1862 ("Clara Barton"). Later, she visited Geneva, Switzerland where she was taught about the International Red Cross ("Founder Clara Barton"). Soon after, she began to campaign hard for the Geneva Treaty, a law that states countries will be a relief for wounded soldiers, to be ratified. Finally, in March of 1882, Congress ratified the Geneva Treaty and it was soon signed into a law (Hamilton). Though Barton's actions show what a powerful woman figure she is, inside she is still the child who was immensely shy and doubtful. She had anxiety, and criticism from others wasn't helpful, but being able to nurse and others is what brought her joy (Hamilton 105). Clara Barton not only showed her character through her selfless actions on the battlefield, but also through her determined attitude which opened multiple paths in the nursing field and has made her an inspiration to many.

Barton home in Oxford, Massachusetts. (https://www.tampapix.com/barton.htm ())

Clara Barton showed her selfless nature in a multitude of ways by genuinely trying to better the lives of others who were in no shape to try and help themselves. Many people would be doubtful of what they were doing when they were about to go onto a dangerous battle scene. However, Clara Barton was not among these many people that would avoid a risky situation, she was a woman that would not stop when she was needed to nurse someone, "Barton later wrote of the especially gruesome aftermath of the Battle of Antietam. Yet she never hesitated to go where she was needed, declaring that, 'while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them'"("Clara Barton"). When in action, Clara Barton never had a second thought whether it was safe or not to go and help soldiers who were injured. With no hesitation, she went up to help them as soon as possible. Barton felt that while the soldiers are the ones fighting, the least she could do is nurse them, even if she were to get hurt. Barton not only faced the dangers of being on a battlefield, she also risked her own well being. Clara Barton endured pain and suffering just to get to soldiers that needed her: "She began assisting in the care of the wounded, and worked tirelessly through horrific conditions to provide these wounded and ill soldiers with compassionate nursing care" ("Clarissa Harlowe Barton"). Clara Barton suffered tremendously through her line of work, never stopping for her own needs but continued to help others before herself. Despite the conditions she endured, her heart went out to those she nursed as she never forgot to show them tenderness. Clara Barton may have suffered physical damage, but she also underwent emotional challenges. Barton received backlash that often made her question herself : "Hubbell said of her that she not only sympathized with suffering, she herself suffered. Sensitive to criticism, and often doubtful of her own self-worth, she was able to overcome the melancholy streak in her nature when she was bringing comfort to others" (Hamilton 105). It was possible for Clara Barton to stop what she was doing and to relieve herself from the stress of her work. Many in fact might have actually done so, but Barton knew she could not leave soldiers to not be taken care of properly. Nevertheless, it was best that she did continue as it helped the pressure and sorrow to cease and it brought joy to both her and the soldiers she helped. In addition to her selfless attitude, Clara Barton's determination truly shows how hard she was willing to work to fight for her beliefs.

Clara and horse, in 1903 (https://www.tampapix.com/barton.htm ())

Clara Barton's achievements show how far determination can carry a person to overcome anything in their way and break social norms. Clara Barton never gave up on what she wanted to do. Many times, Barton was turned down for what she wanted to do and her ideas. In 1861, she asked for legal permission to be a battlefield nurse, she had to wait almost a year and a half to get this permission: "She then sought permission to go directly into the field, a request that met with overwhelming resistance from those who felt women lacked courage and stamina and would just "get in the way." She persisted, however and in mid-1862 at last received official permission to serve as a battlefield nurse" ("Clara Barton"). Clara Barton was given multiple reasons why she should not become a nurse on the battlefield, but felt the need to go and help the people fighting. Even though Barton had to wait quite a while to pursue what she wanted, this shows just how much of a determined and patient woman she was. She also showed how passionate she was in helping people when she introduced the International Red Cross to the United States after coming back from a trip to Europe : "In 1873, Barton returned to the U.S., determined to start a branch of the International Red Cross in the United States, and passionate about convincing the U.S. government to ratify the Geneva Convention, which would set policy for the treatment of sick and wounded soldiers by the Red Cross" ("Clarissa Harlowe Barton"). Clara Barton worked hard for the United states to approve of this document. The treaty ended up being signed in 1882, 9 years after she first proposed it. This proves just how long Clara Barton was willing to fight and persuade the government to confirm of this document. Many people noticed just how tirelessly Clara Barton worked for her causes. Author of "American Women of Achievement: Clara Barton," Leni Hamilton wrote, "She brought to her work not only a rare gift for organization but a persistence and determination that could overcome any obstacle in her path" (105-106). Clara Barton does not stand among the rest as she has shown many different times that she will always act on what she believes and has an attitude of determination and passion while she does it. She was willing to fight and wait to conquer what drawbacks had been laid in front of her. This is what has made Clara Barton such a role model for many.

Gravesite (http://www.redcross.org/ ())

The determined and selfless approach Clara Barton presented was inspiring for those who had seen the work she had done. She fought for the men who were fighting for her despite the multitude of dangers that could have been brought to her. Clara Barton also fought for what she knew would help the soldiers who were fighting. She had seen what it was like on a real battlefield and was determined to improve conditions and help the soldiers that were in need of it: "A tremendous humanitarian who was always conscious of propriety, she nevertheless defied the usual way of doing things when it presented obstacles rather than solutions" (Hamilton 105). Barton is an inspiration to me because I, like Clara, am a naturally shy person. I normally wouldn't want to stand out because of what I have done. Barton though, forced herself to make herself known so that she could receive the opportunity to do something great and to do something to help people. She helps me realize that it is okay to be more outgoing and do something that will be known. The most inspirational part of Clara Barton's life was her main goals were to help people. She jumped every hurdle in her path even if she stumbled a little on the way. It is for these reason that Clara Barton said that we should never fear the dangers of helping other people.