Who were the "angels of mercy" during the Crimean War, heralding the importance of trained nurses?

The correct answer is the nurses led by Florence Nightingale, who played a pivotal role during the Crimean War. Nightingale is often credited with founding modern nursing and was instrumental in establishing sanitation practices that dramatically reduced the death rates among soldiers. She organized a group of nurses to care for the wounded and emphasized the importance of hygiene, nutrition, and the overall environment in patient recovery.

Nightingale's work highlighted the need for trained nursing staff, as prior to her efforts, nursing was largely unregulated and often considered a last-resort profession. Her approach not only improved conditions for the soldiers but also inspired the establishment of formal nursing schools, further advancing the profession.

While Clara Barton also made significant contributions to nursing and founded the American Red Cross, and Mary Seacole is recognized for her bravery and commitment to caring for soldiers, it was Nightingale's systematic training and organization of nursing during the Crimean War that earned her the title of the "angel of mercy" and solidified her lasting legacy in the field of healthcare.