Red Cross
The International Red Cross was founded in Europe during the 1860s. The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, a nurse who helped injured soldiers during the Civil War. Its original focus was to help with disaster relief in the United States.
Although active during the late 19th century, World War I put unprecedented demands on the international organization. After U. S. entry into the war in 1917, many Kansas women made important contributions to the war effort by performing a variety of functions with this voluntary organization. More and more Kansas women continued to provide assistance during and after World War II. Today the organization provides with disaster assistance throughout the nation and works with the International Red Cross in supporting global health.
Entry: Red Cross
Author: Kansas Historical Society
Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.
Date Created: February 2011
Date Modified: February 2011
The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.
