**Mother’s Day Proclamation**
**Definition**
The Mother’s Day Proclamation was a public declaration issued by Julia Ward Howe in 1870, calling for a day dedicated to peace and the honoring of mothers. It is considered one of the earliest formal appeals to establish a Mother’s Day, emphasizing the role of mothers in promoting peace and social justice.
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# Mother’s Day Proclamation
The Mother’s Day Proclamation is a historic document authored by Julia Ward Howe in 1870, advocating for a special day dedicated to mothers as agents of peace and social reform. This proclamation predates the modern Mother’s Day holiday and reflects the social and political climate of post-Civil War America. Howe’s call was not merely to honor motherhood in a sentimental sense but to recognize mothers as pivotal figures in the pursuit of peace and the betterment of society.
## Historical Context
### Julia Ward Howe: The Author
Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910) was an American poet, abolitionist, and social activist. She is best known for writing the lyrics to „The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Howe was deeply involved in various reform movements, including abolitionism, women’s suffrage, and pacifism. Her activism was shaped by the tumultuous period of the American Civil War and the subsequent efforts to rebuild and reconcile the nation.
### The Post-Civil War Era
The United States in 1870 was grappling with the aftermath of the Civil War (1861–1865), a conflict that resulted in immense loss of life and social upheaval. The war had exposed the devastating consequences of violence and division. In this context, many reformers sought ways to promote peace and prevent future conflicts. Women, particularly mothers, were seen as moral guardians who could influence society toward harmony and justice.
## The Proclamation
### Content and Themes
Julia Ward Howe’s Mother’s Day Proclamation was published in the *Atlantic Monthly* in 1870. The text is a passionate appeal to women to unite in a movement for peace. Howe urged mothers to come together annually to promote the cause of peace and to reject the glorification of war. The proclamation emphasized themes of maternal responsibility, social justice, and international harmony.
Key excerpts from the proclamation include calls for:
– Women to rise above nationalistic and militaristic fervor.
– The establishment of a „Mother’s Day for Peace” to be observed annually.
– Mothers to use their influence to end war and violence.
– A vision of a world where children could grow up free from the horrors of conflict.
### The Language of the Proclamation
The proclamation is written in a formal, poetic style, reflecting Howe’s literary background. It combines moral exhortation with political advocacy, appealing to both the emotions and the reason of its readers. The tone is earnest and hopeful, envisioning a future shaped by the nurturing power of mothers.
## Impact and Legacy
### Immediate Reception
At the time of its publication, the Mother’s Day Proclamation did not lead to the immediate establishment of a formal holiday. However, it contributed to the growing discourse around peace activism and the role of women in social reform. The idea of a day dedicated to mothers as peacemakers resonated with various women’s groups and pacifist organizations.
### Influence on Modern Mother’s Day
The modern Mother’s Day holiday, officially recognized in the United States in 1914, was largely popularized by Anna Jarvis, who focused on honoring mothers’ personal sacrifices and familial roles rather than political activism. Nonetheless, Howe’s proclamation is acknowledged as an important precursor that framed motherhood within a broader social and political context.
### Peace Movements and Women’s Activism
Howe’s call for a Mother’s Day for peace inspired later peace movements and women’s activism. The concept of mothers as agents of peace has been echoed in various international observances and campaigns, linking motherhood with the pursuit of global harmony.
## Commemoration and Recognition
### Annual Observances
While Howe’s specific vision of a Mother’s Day for peace did not become a widespread annual observance, some peace organizations and feminist groups have commemorated the proclamation and its ideals. These observances often coincide with International Women’s Day or other peace-related events.
### Scholarly Interest
The Mother’s Day Proclamation has been the subject of academic study in fields such as history, gender studies, and peace studies. Scholars analyze the document as an example of 19th-century feminist pacifism and as a reflection of the social dynamics of the Reconstruction era.
## Text of the Mother’s Day Proclamation
The full text of Julia Ward Howe’s proclamation is often included in historical anthologies and collections of peace literature. It begins with an invocation to women of all nations and concludes with a hopeful vision of a peaceful future shaped by maternal influence.
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# See Also
– Julia Ward Howe
– Mother’s Day (United States)
– Peace Movements in the 19th Century
– Women’s Suffrage Movement
– Anna Jarvis and the Modern Mother’s Day
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# References
*Note: This article is based on historical records and scholarly research on Julia Ward Howe and the Mother’s Day Proclamation.*
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**Meta Description:**
The Mother’s Day Proclamation, authored by Julia Ward Howe in 1870, called for a day dedicated to peace and the honoring of mothers as agents of social reform. It is a foundational document linking motherhood with activism and pacifism.