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The Civil Wars of Julia Ward Howe: A Tale of Courage, Patriotism, and the Battle for a Nation's Soul

Orson Scott Card

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Julia Ward Howe is best known for writing the lyrics to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," one of the most iconic songs of the Civil War. But her life was far more complex and fascinating than that one song suggests. Howe was a poet, abolitionist, feminist, and social reformer who played an active role in the Civil War and its aftermath.

The Civil Wars of Julia Ward Howe: A Biography

by Elaine Showalter

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Language	:	English
File size	:	56374 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	321 pages

Early Life and Education

Julia Ward was born on May 27, 1819, in New York City. Her father, Samuel Ward, was a wealthy banker and merchant, and her mother, Julia Rush Cutler Ward, was a prominent socialite. Howe received a privileged education, studying at private schools in New York and Boston. She was a precocious child, showing an early talent for writing and music.

In 1843, Howe married Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, a renowned physician and social reformer. The couple had six children together. Howe's husband was a strong abolitionist, and he played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. Howe herself became involved in the abolitionist movement, and she frequently wrote and spoke out against slavery.

The Civil War

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Howe and her husband were living in Massachusetts. Howe immediately began volunteering her time to help the Union cause. She organized a group of women to sew uniforms for soldiers, and she also worked as a nurse in military hospitals.

In 1862, Howe visited the battlefield at Antietam. The horrors she witnessed there inspired her to write "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The song quickly became popular, and it was soon being sung by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

Howe continued to work for the Union cause throughout the war. She organized rallies and fundraisers, and she wrote articles and speeches urging people to support the war effort. She also helped to establish the Freedmen's Bureau, which provided aid to former slaves after the war.

Post-War Years

After the war, Howe continued to be active in social reform. She worked to promote women's suffrage, and she also fought for the rights of freed slaves. She was a founding member of the American Red Cross, and she served as the organization's president from 1881 to 1892.

Howe died on October 17, 1910. She was 91 years old. She is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Legacy

Julia Ward Howe is remembered as one of the most influential women of the Civil War era. She was a courageous and outspoken advocate for abolition, feminism, and social justice. Her work helped to shape the course of American history, and her legacy continues to inspire people today.