The "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is a landmark American patriotic song originating from the Civil War era. Julia Ward Howe penned its iconic lyrics in 1861, adapting them to a pre-existing melody often attributed to William Steffe. The hymn gained prominence as an abolitionist anthem and later became deeply embedded in American cultural and political life, used in movements from labor rights to civil rights. Its powerful imagery draws from biblical references like the Book of Isaiah and Revelation.
A powerful Civil War-era hymn with lyrics written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861, set to the melody of "John Brown's Body".
It evolved from camp meeting songs to a rallying cry for Union troops, later adopted by suffrage and civil rights movements.
The stirring "Glory, Hallelujah" refrain echoes its roots in African American spirituals.
A patriotic anthem popularized during the American Civil War, with lyrics written by abolitionist Julia Ward Howe in 1861.
The melody derives from earlier camp-meeting hymns. Wilhousky's 20th-century choral arrangement helped revive its popularity.
"The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is a patriotic American song written during the Civil War, blending religious imagery with abolitionist themes. Its melody derives from the earlier folk song "John Brown's Body." The hymn later inspired labor movements and adaptations like "Solidarity Forever."
One of most recognizable American musical works with evolving symbolism through Civil War, suffrage movement and civil rights era.
