The paper presented at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Australian Historical Association at the University of Queensland in 2014 explored the role of Australian country women in supporting the Red Cross during the First World War. The paper focused on the Camden District Red Cross, emphasizing the conservative women’s empowerment in embracing the Red Cross, serving as ministering angels, and upholding patriotic values. Total words: 78
Tag: Humanitarianism
‘Guardian Angels’, the Red Cross on the wartime homefront
During the First World War, Australian women independently joined the Red Cross to support the war effort. The Red Cross provided a space for women to express agency and contribute to the war through practical activities and fundraising. The organization's local branches established a sense of community and played a significant role in the homefront war effort.
‘Angels Of Mercy’, The Red Cross On the Homefront During the First World War
During World War I, the Australian Red Cross mobilized women as 'Angels of Mercy' and 'ministering angels' to provide aid with strong moral overtone. The organization used motherhood imagery to rally support, portraying itself as the 'Greatest Mother in the World'. This approach effectively garnered community backing and positioned Red Cross workers as soldiers' guardian angels.
