Red Cross
By Kemper Bogle
When Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881, she was determined to provide aid to those in need. During the Civil War, Barton gathered supplies and nursed wounded soldiers. Barton’s passion for assisting the military inspired many others to volunteer and support the organization.
About 36 years after its founding, the Red Cross saw drastic growth during World War I. President Woodrow Wilson called on the American people to support and volunteer for the Red Cross, as the government chartered it. It went from a small organization to a global powerhouse. Many women joined the Red Cross because it provided them the opportunity to serve their country in the war. By the end of the war, the organization helped many soldiers and had more than 50 hospitals around Europe.
At the National World War I museum, the efforts of the Red Cross are highlighted through telling photos, anecdotes and memorabilia. The exhibition features the standard uniforms women volunteers would wear as nurses, doctors, telephone operators and drivers.
“I think this museum really does a good job at highlighting how important the Red Cross was at assisting the allies and providing them with healthcare and supplies,” said museum visitor, Marsha Gordon.
The most popular Red Cross volunteers during the war were nurses. The nurses played an integral role in aiding soldiers. Many nurses and doctors risked their lives by traveling close to the front lines in order to quickly serve wounded and sick soldiers. In addition to injuries, influenza became a major threat to the military, which required thousands of medical personnel.
However, the Red Cross nurses were not the only people supporting and aiding the military. The organization had a variety of different tasks and positions for volunteers. Other roles included drivers, secretaries and entertainers. The Red Cross also set up canteens near the front lines where they could provide food and water to the soldiers.
During the war, there was a major need for transporting wounded soldiers. Many women that could drive volunteered to be ambulance and truck drivers. Although a majority of the Red Cross volunteers were female, many men served as volunteers for the organization. Most notably, Ernest Hemingway and Walt Disney served as drivers.
During the Great War, many American citizens wanted to help with the war effort from the United States. Some universities, including the University of Kansas searched for ways to incorporate supporting the war with education. This resulted in many War Department approved courses that focused on helping with the war effort. The most popular courses at the University were Red Cross classes for women. The knitting and sewing classes at the university also worked to make supplies for the military.