Michael McGuire, assistant professor of History and Political Science at Mount Saint Mary College, presented his research on the wartime humanitarian work of Edith Wharton on Thursday, March 23, as part of the college’s Investigating Research on Campus (iROC) series.
He explained how the novelist traveled to France in 1907, where she would soon find herself in the midst of a wartime refugee crisis, witnessing firsthand the effect the First World War had on Europe.
One of her most notable contributions, explained McGuire, was the refugee-focused charity organization American Hostels for French Refugees. This organization provided shelter, employment, education and daycare services for French and Belgian men, women, and children who were fleeing the war in Germany.
“By the end of 1915, she aided over 9,300 refugees,” McGuire said. “The very next year she aids over 13,000.”
Wharton also used her writing skills to help fund her support of refugees when the need for resources grew, publishing books that raised awareness for the hardships of war. This work notably earned Wharton the French Legion of Honor, making her the first American woman to earn this recognition.
McGuire stated that Wharton’s efforts had a tremendous impact on the survival and wellbeing of WWI French and Belgian refugees, and serves as a reminder to act promptly in times of need.
“If you see a problem, address the problem,” McGuire said.