CLARA BARTON Biography Essay Example

Lincoln granted her permission to initiate a letter-writing campaign to locate missing soldiers. In the years after the war, Barton delivered lectures recounting her experiences, continued her duties at the Office of Correspondence, and collaborated with the suffragist movement. However, in 1869, Barton's strenuous efforts resulted in physical exhaustion.

As per her doctor's advice, she traveled to Europe for rest and recuperation. It was during this trip that Barton came across the Treaty of Geneva, which aimed to offer assistance to wounded soldiers. While twelve countries had signed the treaty, the United States had chosen not to do so. Barton made a pledge to further explore this matter. Moreover, she familiarized herself with the Red Cross during this time. While accompanying a team of volunteers on the front lines of the Franco-Russian War, she witnessed firsthand the Red Cross in action.

Upon her return to the United States in 1873, Barton initiated her advocacy for the Treaty of Geneva and the Red Cross. Following a period dedicated to rejuvenating her health at a wellness resort in Danville, New York, Barton relocated to Washington DC to campaign for her causes. Thanks to her relentless dedication, the United States ratified the Geneva Agreement in 1882. Concurrently, the establishment of the American Red Cross organization took place in 1881, with Barton assuming the role of its inaugural president.

After several years, she drafted the American amendment to the Red Cross constitution, which encompassed providing aid for both war and peacetime disasters. Barton held the role of Red Cross president until 1904 and during her tenure, she led relief efforts for various disasters worldwide, including famines, floods, diseases, and earthquakes. The last

relief effort she personally oversaw was for the victims of the Galveston, Texas flood in 1900. Furthermore, Barton represented the Red Cross as a delegate and spoke at multiple International Conferences. However, in 1904, she was compelled to resign from her position as president.

Clara Barton, amid mounting criticism of her leadership style, chose to step down and hand over control of the organization to a larger central administration. Her resignation occurred on May 12. For the next 8 years, she resided in her home in Glen Echo, Maryland. Despite this change, Barton remained healthy and maintained an active lifestyle by riding her horse and keeping abreast of current events. Unfortunately, on April 12, 1912, Barton passed away from complications arising from a cold. Throughout her life, her mission could be summed up by her own words: "You should never consider whether you like it or not or if it is bearable; your thoughts should solely revolve around the need and how to address it."