The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was founded in 1863, inspired by Swiss businessman Henry Dunant. Dunant witnessed the horrific aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in 1859, where thousands of wounded soldiers were left without adequate care. Moved by this, he organized local villagers to help the injured and later wrote a book, A Memory of Solferino , proposing the creation of neutral volunteer relief societies to aid wounded soldiers during wartime. His ideas led to the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva in 1863 and the adoption of the first Geneva Convention in 1864
. Separately, the American Red Cross was founded later in 1881 by Clara Barton, who was inspired by the International Red Cross during her travels in Europe. Barton established the American counterpart to provide aid during wartime and in natural disasters
. In summary:
- The International Red Cross was founded by Henry Dunant and others in 1863.
- The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881.
