The American Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian movement that has its roots in 19th century war-torn Europe.

In 1862, Henry Dunant, a young Swiss businessman, wrote A Memory of Solferino, in which he described what he had seen on the northern Italian battlefield in 1859 where 40,000 troops were killed or wounded and left without help. His concern touched many, leading to the birth in 1863 of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This first committee, which included Dunant, adopted a red cross on a white background as the emblem, the reverse of the Swiss flag.

Dunant's ideas led to the Geneva Conventions, international treaties designed to protect these war victims: the wounded and sick on land (1864) and sea (1906), prisoners of war (1929), and civilians (1949). Since then, 165 governments have signed the Geneva Conventions, including additional revisions to protect victims of all armed conflict. Today, the all-Swiss ICRC continues its protective role around the world.

The American Red Cross is one of more than 145 national societies that make up the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. (Governments recognized the crescent as a protective emblem in 1929.) In addition, the American Red Cross works closely with the nonmember Magen David Adom society of Israel. The League encourages its member societies to work together to relieve suffering from major natural disasters.

Together, the people who form the ranks of each Red Cross society, the ICRC, and the League symbolize compassion and help worldwide. Their programs are founded on the basic principles of Humanity, Impartiality (nondiscrimination toward those in need), Neutrality, Independence (freedom of action), Voluntary Service, Unity (only one society in each country), and Universality (societies have equal status and help each other). For more than 125 years, Red Cross workers have eased the pain of millions of people of all races, religions, and beliefs.

NEXT PAGE: Clara Barton Leads Red Cross Relief Efforts in America

• 1821 - Clara Barton born in North Oxford, Massachusetts.
• 1828 - Henry Dunant born; birthday becomes World Red Cross Day.
• 1862 - Battle of Shiloh
• 1862 - Henry Dunant writes A Memory of Solferino.
• 1863 - Lincoln gives the Gettysburg Address
• 1863 - International Committee of the Red Cross is founded.
• 1863 - ICRC adopts Red Cross as emblem.
• 1864 - First Geneva Convention written to protect war wounded and sick on land.
• 1865 - Clara Barton is placed in charge of search for missing Civil War soldiers.