Ariana Guzman
HONS 2011J
Final Essay
Professor Hernández-Ojeda
The Participation of American Women in the Spanish Civil War: The Story of Helen Freeman
Personal Statement
Prior to the course, I was not aware about the civil war in Spain or the involvement of international volunteers that would travel to Spain for its anti-fascist and humanitarian cause. In American history, the emphasis of the 20thcentury lies between World War I and War World II. Similarly, the participation of American citizens in the Spanish Civil War is not mentioned in history books. This aspect of history is not taught within the classrooms and remains unknown.
I chose this class because I was interested in learning about the conflict that occurred in Spain. I had studied Italian literature of the 20th century before taking this course and I thought that it would be interesting to learn more about this time period. This course has been interesting and insightful. I am thankful to Professor Maria Hernández-Ojeda for her decision to teach the course in spite of the pandemic, which has altered the way she would typically teach this course. I am also thankful to Michael Koncewicz, archivist at the Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, who has provided me with the digitalized versions of the archival documents pertaining to Helen Freeman. These documents gave me a better understanding of her life and difficulties during the Spanish Civil War.
As mentioned earlier, the pandemic has created some obstacles and significant changes for the course. Typically, students would go together as a class to visit the archives and access these documents by searching into boxes organized by specific collections. Instead, our research was conducted entirely online. Nonetheless, it has been fascinating to read the digitized versions of the original documents from 1937. For me, it was a way to travel back to her time and imagine her life.
Introduction
The Spanish Civil War was ensued by a military coup d’état led by General Francisco Franco and his supporters. This attempt of coup d’état triggered a chain reaction of events. It created a division among the people of Spain and lead to a three-year war with a death count of over a million. Without the help of its allies, the Republican faction suffered major losses. The Republican faction did not receive economic or war supplies due to its allies’ non-Intervention policies. The Soviet Union initially provided the Republic with military supplies, with the expectation of payment. On the other hand, General Franco’s nationalist party received support from Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. This caused outrage to citizens from various countries including the Soviet Union, Poland, Cuba, the United States and many more. Although many countries signed a Non-Intervention agreement and failed to help the democratic Spanish Republic, the citizens of these various countries would not remain as bystanders to the injustice occurring in Spain. Thirty five thousand volunteers went to Spain to fight fascism. Men were not the only members of society that became involved in the war, women also were active in the combat against the fascist, Nationalist forces. Approximately eighty American women went to Spain to support the Spanish Republic.
Prior to the 20th century, American women did not actively participate in war. They were expected to perform traditionally acceptable gender roles for women. American women were constricted in participating only in the private spheres. Accepted behaviors included performing house tasks, and roles as a mother and a wife. Due to war efforts, women began to perform the roles of the men in the public sphere such as working in factories. However, their crucial role during the war was undervalued because of the societal norm of a woman’s responsibility. During the Spanish Civil War, Spanish women went against these norms and engaged directly in the war fronts. American women participated as journalists, nurses, activists and drivers. This essay analyzes the roles and experiences of American women during the Spanish Civil War, addressing the difficulties that they encountered due to societal depictions of gender roles. This paper highlights the role of Helen Freeman as a volunteer of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade.
Why they joined the Lincoln Brigade
American women entered the war for a variety of reasons. These reasons are highlighted in Julia Newman’s 2007 documentary Into the Fire: American Women in the Spanish Civil War. In her documentary, Newman presents the perspective of several American women and their reasons for participating in the war. One of the volunteers, Salaria Rea, explains that she assisted in the war because she was against the inequality and racial discrimination that the Jewish population were experiencing in Europe. She associated the experiences of White Jewish people to Black Americans. Another volunteer, Evelyn chins, expressed her desire to contribute in war efforts. Although she was not a medical professional, Hutchins found a way to help during these times. She assisted in the collecting clothes for the Spanish people, and became one of the few women to drive an ambulance during the war. Another volunteer, Irene Goldin, states that her motivation was to fight against fascism (00:02:52-00:14:16).
Women’s Role in the War
American women contributed to the war effort in various ways. Their roles included health care services, journalism, activism, and administrative roles. Many served as activists in the United States in order to raise support for the Spanish Republic. They organized rallies and fundraising events to buy medical supplies and aid. Other women served as ambulance drivers. It is estimated that there were three female ambulance drivers. One of the drivers, Hutchins, drove about 18,000 miles during the first three months in Spain (“American Women To Speak for Loyalist Cause: ‘Y’ Sponsors Rahman-Davidow Lecture”). Other women such as Salaria Rea, Ruth Davidow, and Helen Freeman participated in the war as nurses through organizations such as North American Committee to Aid Spanish Democracy (NACASD or NAC), Medical Bureau to Aid Spanish Democracy (MBASD), and Spanish War Relief Organization (Oliver; Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies; et.al). Women, such as Virginia Cowles, served as journalists and informed others of the situation in Spain. However, they faced difficulties in their attempts to participate in the war.
Difficulties of Women to participate in war
In “Male Arrogance Defeated,” Hutchins describes the difficulties she encountered due to gender prejudice. Recounting her personal experience, Hutchins explains that she was prohibited in serving in the war as a soldier and as an ambulance driver. Hutchins states, “I asked them if they would have allowed me to go if I had been a man. And they admitted they would’ve. And even at my size, as small as I am ‘cause- two of the other ambulance drivers were my size” (Hutchins 155). Hutchins was rejected in serving as a driver because of her sex. Although the Republicans and their international volunteers required assistance to combat against the Francoist armed forces, their traditional views of gender roles and stereotypes prohibited the participation of women in battlegrounds. The continuation of gender roles during the war was displayed through the experience of Virginia Cowles. Her presence in Spain led to misogynistic remarks and remarks on “correct” women behavior. (Prince 89). Women who fought and volunteered in the war on the Republican side still faced many obstacles, but these difficulties did not deter them. They were willing to play an active role to fight fascism and defend the democratically- elected Republican government. One of the American women who volunteered to help the Republic in the Spanish Civil War was Helen Freeman Feinberg.
Helen Freeman
Helen Freeman was born in March 19, 1914 in New York. She was the daughter of Russian immigrants. Without the approval of her family, she had received nurse training at the Nurse Training School of Brooklyn Jewish Hospital. Before the war, Freeman was a staff nurse at the Brooklyn Jewish Hospital. She attended the meeting called “To Aid Spanish Democracy” (Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies).
She was a member of the American Medical Bureau unit no.1, which departed from New York in January 16, 1937 under the guidance of Dr. Barsky. Freeman decided to help during the Spanish Civil War because she was a humanitarian. She desired to help people. In order to reach Spain, Freeman first arrived in France in January 16,1937 and then Spain in January 28, 1937. Soon afterwards, she arrived with the American Medical Unit in El Romeral, Toledo in February 16th, 1937. By Feb 20, 1937, they opened the hospital to patients. Freeman operated in Belacazar in November 2, 1937 as one of the American nursing staff. At a later period in 1937, Freeman was situated at the Córdoba Front. In this location, she served as head of operations and room services. In April 15, 1938, Freeman worked at the Argon Front alongside English nurses. She held posts in El Romeral, Belacazar, Córdoba Front, Hijar del Pueblo, Belchite, Villa Paz, and Colmenar. Freeman also worked in the frontlines in the battles of Jarama, Belchite, and Gandesa from 1937 to 1938. (Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies)
Due to heavy bombing at a hospital base, Freeman’s skull was lacerated and fractured. She also had a compound fracture in her left arm, which by definition is a bone that pierces the skin. Landie described the scene in detail. Landie states, “The town of Hijar itself was now a heap of blasted ruins in which, repeatedly, hundreds had been killed by the incessant bombings. The once beautiful Anarchist hospital, which had so trustingly flaunted its Red Crosses for the world to see, was a pile of rubble, glass, and twisted steel… It was thought that she would lose an arm.” (Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies). These injuries required special medical treatment and she had to get surgery in the United States. Freeman left Spain by June 1938. She went to France from Spain by train and exited Europe through the Île-de-France, a region in north-central France. She sailed back to New York, where she attended a meeting at Madison Square Garden. These injuries would prevent her from participating in World War II as a nurse. (Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies)
Once she returned back home, Freeman underwent surgery for her arm and participated in therapy. Unfortunately, the accident caused her to have some limitations. However, this did not prevent Freeman from being active. She went back to working as a nurse with certain restrictions. Freeman was not able to function within the operating room as usual. After the Spanish Civil War, Freeman attended the University of Tennessee in Nashville, Tennessee. For her graduate education, Freeman studied at the Teacher’s College, Columbia University in New York City. (Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies)
Freeman also worked as a state supervisor for the United States government during 1967 to 1947. In addition, Freeman became a public health nurse supervisor in Germany and assisted refugees from 1947 to 1949. During this time, she aided in setting up health clinics, health programs and treating victims of Hitler’s concentration camps (Oliver). Afterwards, she became a medical services supervisor from 1951 to 1952. In 1958 to 1960, Freeman worked as a private duty nurse. Her last recorded occupation was as a school nurse teacher from 1964 to 1968 (Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies).
Freeman assisted in Ecuador as a war nurse through the United States’ Government Emergency Rehabilitation Committee during Ecuador’s territorial dispute with Peru. Similar to her roles in Germany, she set up clinics and hospitals. After the war, Freeman became a school nurse and became involved in issues on migrant families and workers. Freeman had worked until 1998 and retired at an age of eighty-three. Freeman was very active throughout her life. She died on February 22, 1999 in Newport Beach, California at the age of eighty-four. (Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies; Oliver)
Freeman did not regret her experience in Spain. She had a positive outlook on her involvement. In a survey titled, “Personal Memorabilia After Spain,” Freeman listed a few of the benefits of joining the Spanish Civil War. Freeman states, “Many benefits in terms of meeting friends, coping with dire emergencies, learning a language, and making friendships that have lasted over the year” (Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies). Although her last experience in the Spanish Civil War was negative due to her injuries, Freeman does not view this incident as an overarching moment in her time as a volunteer. Her time in Spain consisted of learning and creating meaningful relationships. This experience had also expanded her view on life as well as given her a better understanding of the difficulties of the people in Spain. Freeman’s positive outlook on life and negative situations is admirable. It seems that even through the negative aspects of life, positivity can emerge.
Conclusion
As stated by Dolores Ibárruri in her speech of the departure of the International Brigades, “You are history. You are legend. You are the heroic example of democracy’s solidarity and universality” (Ibárruri 314). The members of the Abraham Lincoln Brigades have done great sacrifices. The volunteers left their country regardless of the consequences that they would face at home by the government. The accounts of their selflessness and courage must be told and never be forgotten. It is necessary for the lives and stories of the volunteers of the Abraham Lincoln Brigades to be preserved and shared. It is especially important to highlight the stories of the women that participated in the war. American history tends to erase the role of women outside the household and factories during the war times. The women of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade played a significant role in war efforts. Helen Freeman made great contributions both during and after the Spanish Civil War.
In a letter, Mahler described Helen Freeman as, “an unusual girl … [that] has impressed me very much.” (Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies). Originally, I had not understood these words but after learning more about Freeman, I have a better idea. Freeman was unusual due to her uniqueness as an individual. She was a brave and determined woman. In despite of the situation, Freeman risked her life and participated in the war as a nurse. Freeman is a role model for girls and women. The story of her service and determination must be known and told for the upcoming generations.
Works Cited
“American Women To Speak for Loyalist Cause: ‘Y’ Sponsors Rahman-Davidow Lecture.” The Duke Chronicle, vol. 35, no. 35, 7 March 1939, p.1. Duke University Libraries.
Freeman, Helen: Questionnaire and Research Notes and photocopies. Box 8, Folder 7. ALBA.001 Federicka Martin papers; Series 1:ALBA Files NYU Tamiment Library & Wagner Labor Archives, New York University, New York, NY.
“Hospital Group Sails For Spain: Sixteen In Party Leave On The Liner Paris To Treat Wounded Loyalists. Recruiting Plan Sifted Federal Attorney Here Acts On Report A Debs Column Of Volunteers Is Being Raised. Party To Visit Paris One Cuban In Group Recruiting Report Sifted.” New York Times (1923-Current file), Jan 17, 1937, pp. 32. ProQuest.
Hutchins, Evelyn. “Male Arrogance Defeated.” Women’s Voices From The Spanish Civil War, edited by Jim Fyrth and Sally Alexander. Lawrence & Wishart Ltd, 2008, pp 155-156.
Ibarruri, Dolores. They Shall Not Pass: The Autobiography of La Pasionaria. International Publishers, 1966.
Into the Fire: American Women in the Spanish Civil War. Directed by Julia Newman, 2007.
“Medical Expedition Will Sail For Spain: Group To Leave Saturday With Equipment For A Fifty-Bed Hospital In Madrid.” New York Times (1923-Current file), Jan 11, 1937, pp. 2. ProQuest.
“Medical Supplies Sought For Spain: National Campaign To Aid The Loyalists Will Be Started Here On Saturday. Physicians Give Support Plan To Send Ambulances, Doctors And Nurses In Response To An Urgent Appeal.” New York Times (1923-Current file), Nov 04, 1936, pp. 33. ProQuest.
Oliver, Myrna. “Obituaries; Helen Feinberg, 84; Nurse, Social Activist: [Home Edition].” Los Angeles Times, Feb 24, 1999, pp. 12. ProQuest.
Prince, Jennifer. Genre, Representation, and Memory in Spanish Civil War Tests by Women from Spain and the United States.” 2017. The Graduate Center (City University of New York), PhD dissertation. Academic Works.