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The Battle Hymn of the Republic
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The Battle Hymn of the Republic

hymn by Howe
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"The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is a hymn written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861 and published in 1862. Howe was inspired to write the lyrics after witnessing Union soldiers singing "John Brown's Body" near Washington, D.C.. She penned the words in a burst of inspiration, and the poem was set to the same tune as "John Brown's Body".1

The hymn became a popular song for the Union during the American Civil War and was reportedly President Abraham Lincoln's favorite war song. Its lyrics invoke biblical imagery and a sense of divine justice, aligning the Union cause with God's will. The song's powerful message and stirring melody contributed to its widespread adoption and enduring legacy as a patriotic anthem.1

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. Remembering the American Civil War - Julia Ward Howe : ā€œ The Battle Hymn of the Republic ā€
  2. Lift Every Voice and Sing
  3. A Note On The History of 'Anthem'
  4. Remembering the American Civil War - George Frederick Root : ā€œ The Battle-Cry of Freedom ā€; and Harry McCarty : ā€œ The Bonnie Blue Flag ā€

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