The American Civil War
A Humanitarian Perspective

Newton, NJ, April 7, 2011 - April 12, 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War, a terrible conflict that divided our nation, pitting brother against brother on the battlefield. Entire cities were torched, bystanders were killed and more than 400,000 were held prisoner. et, amidst the carnage, the war produced examples of humanitarianism and concern for the vulnerable. Clara Barton, later the founder of the American Red Cross, brought medical supplies and comfort to the wounded throughout the war and led an effort to search for missing men afterwards. Medical personnel on both sides of the conflict worked tirelessly to treat the wounded under desperate circumstances. President Lincoln commissioned rules to provide basic treatment to prisoners of war and banned the use of poison as a weapon (the “Lieber Code”). These ideas and acts were so powerful that they still live in modern times.

In commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the start of the American Civil War the American Red Cross is pleased to offer new resources to help educators connect American history to humanitarian law and principles. This information is available to students and parents as well. The American Civil War: A Humanitarian Perspective is inspired by the Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) curriculum developed by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Education Development Center. Learning about humanitarian law helps students connect lessons of the past with issues of the present. Students will explore historical events through the lives of those who experienced the American Civil War and will participate in hands-on exercises that make for challenging and exciting class projects and discussions. These easy-to use resources create learning opportunities for students by looking at (1) the roots of the American Red Cross through Clara Barton’s tireless humanitarian work, (2) the development of key laws by President Lincoln which pre-date the first Geneva Conventions of 1864, and (3) the basic principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality, which are still fundamental to modern international humanitarian law.

For more information on EHL and to access free Civil War lesson plans, please visit www.redcross.org/ehl. Educators who would like to learn more are invited to attend a Teachers Training on May 3rd at the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 93 Spring Street, Suite 101, Newton.  Registration is required and can be done by contacting Lauri Gill at 973-579-1600 or via email at lgill@sussexredcross.org.