Which event led to the founding of the Red Cross?

The founding of the Red Cross was significantly influenced by the Battle of Solferino, which took place in 1859 during the Second Italian War of Independence. This battle highlighted the dire need for organized medical assistance for those injured in warfare. A Swiss businessman named Henry Dunant witnessed the aftermath of this brutal battle, where thousands of soldiers were left to suffer without adequate medical care.

Moved by this experience, Dunant advocated for the establishment of a neutral organization to provide aid to battlefield casualties, regardless of which side they belonged to. This led to the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863. The key principles of neutrality, humanity, and impartiality established during this time became foundational elements of the Red Cross movement.

The other events listed, while historically significant, did not directly influence the formation of the Red Cross in the same way that the Battle of Solferino did.