The Spanish-American War, Clara Barton and the American Red Cross

Student (age 18, special education) notebook page (what he wrote is below)
notebook page from Homeschool in the Woods

Charge of the Rough Riders at San Juan Hill, by Frederic Remington

Cuba struggled for independence from Spain. In February of 1898 the U.S.S. Maine exploded in the Havana, Cuba harbor, killing 266 of the 354 crew members. The U.S. Navy Board of Inquiry blamed the explosion on a Spanish mine. America declared war on Spain on April 25, 1898 and entered into the conflict for Cuba's independence, using the cry, "Remember the Maine." The ten-week war was fought in both the Caribbean and the Pacific, with the US winning a decisive victory. The 1898 Treaty of Paris allowed temporary American control of Cuba, ceded indefinite colonial authority over Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippine islands from Spain.

Clara Barton and The American Red Cross

Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881 and remained as its leader until 1904. She made her reputation in American history during the Civil War, but also was active during the Spanish-American War. Before the war started, she aided Cubans who were injured or ill during the Cuban Insurrection.  Once the Spanish-American War began, she attended to the wounded American and Spanish forces alike. The American Red Cross also assisted with postwar recovery efforts, establishing several hospitals and orphanages. Due to Barton’s influences, the citizens of Cuba also established a Cuban Red Cross. During her time with the Red Cross, Clara Barton was also responsible for 18 peacetime relief efforts.

My younger boys have recently discovered the Junior Ranger program and have been enjoying working for the various badges offered at many National Historic Sites. In conjunction with their history studies, they worked on and received badges from the Virtual Museum at Clara Barton National Historic Site. The nice thing about this badge is that it can be done on-line. Once they complete the virtual tour and take a little test, they can print out a certificate to send in and receive the wonderful packet pictured above. Their packets included a Junior Ranger badge, some trading cards, some bandage material, a pencil and some written materials like coloring pages. You can also visit the Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo, Maryland for free.

 related posts:

• Building the Panama Canal and Teddy Roosevelt

sources:

• Clara Barton National Historic Site
• Homeschool in the Woods Time Travelers Industrial Revolution through the Great Depression