Clara Barton was born in 1821 in Massachusetts, USA. From a young age, she wanted to help people. When she was only 11 years old, she took care of her brother after he had an accident. She was calm, careful, and kind — even as a child. Before becoming famous, Clara worked as a teacher and then as a government worker in Washington, D.C. This was unusual because most women at that time did not work in offices. Clara was strong and determined. She believed that women could do anything men could do. In 1861, the American Civil War began. Many soldiers were injured, and there were not enough supplies or nurses. Clara wanted to help. She began collecting bandages, food, and medicine. Then, she went directly to the battlefield to care for wounded soldiers. This was dangerous, but she didn’t stop. She worked day and night, helping anyone who needed care. Soldiers called her the “Angel of the Battlefield” because she was so brave and kind. Clara believed that every human life was important. After the war, Clara traveled to Europe. While in Switzerland, she learned about the Red Cross, an organization that helped people during war and natural disasters. Clara thought America needed something like that, too. When she returned home, she worked for many years to start the American Red Cross. People said it wasn’t possible, but Clara kept going. Finally, in 1881, she founded the American Red Cross and became its first leader. She was 60 years old — but still full of energy. Under her leadership, the Red Cross helped in many disasters, like floods, fires, and earthquakes. Clara and her team brought food, blankets, and hope to people in need. She showed that one person with a strong heart could help thousands. Clara Barton died in 1912, but her legacy continues today. The American Red Cross is now one of the largest disaster relief organizations in the world. Thanks to Clara, millions of people have received help in their hardest times.
Vocabulary List
Here are some important words from the reading. Try to guess the meaning, then check the definitions.
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battlefield
A place where a battle is fought during a war."She went to the battlefield to help the wounded soldiers."
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injured
Hurt or wounded."Many soldiers were injured during the war."
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supplies
Things needed for a particular purpose (such as food, medicine, or equipment)."They didn't have enough supplies for the sick and injured."
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bandage
A piece of cloth used to cover and protect a wound."Clara collected bandages for the wounded."
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disaster
A sudden bad event, such as a flood or earthquake, that causes damage or suffering."The Red Cross helps people after a disaster."
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flood
A large amount of water covering an area that is usually dry."After the flood, many people needed help."
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earthquake
A sudden, shaking movement of the ground."The Red Cross sent blankets and food after the earthquake."
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care
The process of helping or looking after someone."She went to care for the soldiers."
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medicine
Something used to treat illness or injury."They brought medicine to the battlefield."
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nurse
A person trained to care for sick or injured people."There were not enough nurses to help the soldiers."
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determined
Having a strong desire to do something and not give up."Clara was determined to help."
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possible
Able to be done."People said it wasn’t possible, but Clara kept going."
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leader
A person who guides or is in charge of others."She became the first leader of the American Red Cross."
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help
To make it easier or possible for someone to do something.
- brave
Showing no fear in dangerous or difficult situations."Clara was brave when she went to the battlefield."Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the reading.
- What was Clara Barton’s job before the Civil War?
- Why did soldiers call her “The Angel of the Battlefield”?
- What dangerous work did Clara do during the war?
- What is the Red Cross, and why did Clara want to start it in America?
- How old was Clara when she started the American Red Cross?
- How does the Red Cross continue Clara’s work today?
- brave