Volunteering for the Spanish-American War
Poet involved
What happened
In 1898, Carl Sandburg volunteered for military service during the Spanish-American War, serving in Puerto Rico. Although he did not see combat, this experience broadened his worldview and exposed him to issues of social justice. The time he spent in the military would later influence his writing, particularly his empathy for the struggles of others.
Literary impact
Sandburg's military service sparked an interest in social justice that permeated his later work. This experience contributed to his understanding of the complexities of American society, which he would explore in his poetry and journalism.
Source: Wikipedia
