If you look up the history of Mother’s Day, you might find that it started in 1908 when Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her own mother. However, the roots of this kind of celebration stretch back to the 1870s. During the aftermath of the Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War, writer Julia Ward Howe pushed for a day dedicated to mothers as a way to promote peace and social change. She believed that mothers had a unique role in shaping society and should take a stand in the political arena.
The Civil War impacted American families deeply. It was a time of mass death and unimaginable loss. Men who went to battle returned not just physically scarred but emotionally damaged, while countless women lost fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers. These experiences opened the eyes of many women to the reality of war. They had taken on new responsibilities, managing farms and caring for the injured, and they felt they deserved a voice in how their country was run.
However, the legal recognition of Black men as citizens under the Fourteenth Amendment did not include women, and in fact, the amendment introduced the term “male” into the Constitution. This exclusion prompted women to form groups like the National Woman Suffrage Association to fight for their rights.
Julia Ward Howe was a prominent figure in these efforts. She is best known for writing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” but her advocacy for women’s rights stemmed from her personal struggles. Living with an abusive husband, she felt powerless over her life and her children’s future. This experience fueled her commitment to women’s rights and led her to believe in the transformative power of motherhood.
When the Franco-Prussian War broke out, Howe felt compelled to act. She questioned why mothers weren’t able to stop the senseless violence. She believed women had a voice that could lead to change. Her vision was grand: she called for an “Appeal to Womanhood Throughout the World,” urging mothers to rally against war.
Howe wanted to establish a day of peace, which she envisioned would become an annual event dedicated to advocating for peace. She initially proposed this day be celebrated on June 2. Despite her efforts, uniting women globally proved challenging. Howe pivoted to focus on local women’s clubs, empowering women to take charge of their lives and participate fully in public life.
Her journey fueled the suffrage movement, emphasizing that women deserved equal rights alongside men. Howe’s philosophy resonated beyond her time. A recent study from Pew Research shows that many modern women still feel the need for more representation in political discussions, highlighting that the fight for equity continues.
As we observe Mother’s Day today, it’s essential to reflect on its deeper origins. Celebrating mothers today also honors the historical struggle for women’s rights and the belief in their powerful role in society. We owe a nod to Julia Ward Howe, who saw motherhood as not only a role but a call to action.
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