Mary Walker was a unique woman as well as extremely strong-willed and determined. Walker became a doctor and a soldier, which was unacceptable for women in the 19th century. She was a feminist and an ardent defender of women’s rights. Although Walker faced discrimination and ridicule throughout her life, she never gave up her calling. Also, Walker became a significant figure in the history of the American Civil War. Learn more at new-york-yes.com.
What influenced Walker’s worldview and beliefs?
The future feminist Mary Walker was born in 1832 in New York State. She was brought up in a rather progressive for those times family. That non-traditional raising approach developed in young Mary two qualities, which guided her throughout her life, namely a spirit of independence and a strong sense of justice. What’s more, Walker was open-minded too. She even wore men’s clothing while working on the family farm because women’s garments were so uncomfortable and tight corsets were harmful to health.
Walker got her elementary education at a local school and continued her study at Falley Seminary. That educational institution was quite unusual for the 19th century, as it emphasized the importance of social reforms of gender roles, education and other spheres.
After finishing the seminary, Walker became passionate about being a doctor. She wanted to break the stereotypes that only men could get a medical education and only they are capable of being good doctors. She often read her father’s medical documents, which inspired her even more. However, Walker couldn’t afford to enroll in college, so she had to save up and be patient.
Eventually, she got what she wanted and graduated with honors from Syracuse Medical College, being the only girl in the group.
Walker during the Civil War
When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, Walker wanted to use her medical knowledge to help soldiers. She applied as a surgeon in the Union Army but was rejected because of gender stereotypes. However, Walker was not the one to back down. Undaunted, she decided to be a volunteer surgeon and became the first female surgeon in history.
Mary Walker worked tirelessly to help wounded soldiers and often went to the front line to take care of them. During the American Civil War, Walker became known for her fearlessness and courage. She wore men’s clothes on duty because, as she argued, it was more comfortable and suitable to fulfill her difficult obligations. All her efforts didn’t go unnoticed and she was soon appointed as a Contract Acting Assistant Surgeon by the Army of the Cumberland, becoming the first female surgeon to be officially commissioned into the US Army.
Despite her high achievements, Walker faced gender discrimination throughout her life. She was not given the same pay and privileges as her male colleagues and had to struggle for recognition and respect. In her fight, she even petitioned the US Congress to recognize her devoted service during the war. After that, she was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first woman to receive such an award.
Walker’s story is amazing, as it’s full of resilience and determination. Mary Walker went down in US history because, despite such a difficult time, she didn’t let gender stereotypes and discrimination restrain her will and desire to achieve more.
