About
Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910) was an American poet, playwright, and activist. Born in New York City to a wealthy family, she married reformer Samuel Gridley Howe in 1843. She is best known for writing 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' in 1861, which became an anthem for the Union during the Civil War. Howe published several poetry collections, travel writings, and an autobiography. She co-founded the New England Woman Suffrage Association and the American Woman Suffrage Association, and edited the journal The Woman's Journal. In 1870, she issued the 'Mother's Day Proclamation,' calling for international peace. She was the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1908.
* 1819-05-27 — † 1910-10-17
Major works
- The Battle Hymn of the Republic (1862)poem
- Passion-Flowers (1854)poetry collection
- Words for the Hour (1857)poetry collection
- Reminiscences: 1819–1899 (1899)autobiography
- Mother's Day Proclamation (1870)proclamation
Key milestones
- 1861Wrote 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' after visiting Union army camps near Washington, D.C.
- 1868Co-founded the New England Woman Suffrage Association and served as its first president.
- 1908Became the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Themes
women's suffrageabolitionismpeacepoetrysocial reform
Sources: nps.gov · womenshistory.org · womenshistory.si.edu