America's Promise
Julia Ward Howe's “Battle Hymn of the Republic” continues to inspire a nation to realize its ideals.
TL;DR
- The Atlantic's most impactful publication in its 169-year history was Julia Ward Howe's poem, "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
- The poem is featured on the cover in celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
- Julia Ward Howe wrote the poem in Washington, D.C., and received a small payment for it, initially published without her byline.
- The magazine is printing the poem with Howe's byline for the first time to honor her contributions.
- The "Battle Hymn" is described as an explication of America's promise and an exhortation to persevere, serving as a more relevant national anthem than the official one.
- Journalists in the issue engage with the meaning, promise, achievements, and shortcomings of the nation.
- Articles discuss patriotism, the betrayal of Black military officers, and the challenges of unifying a polarized nation around a common historical understanding.