History of the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is one of the many sister organizations of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It is a humanitarian association formed in 1881 to help victims of war and other natural and man-made disasters. The American Red Cross began as a humble organization and today after 127 years of providing successful services to mankind, it has become the biggest voluntary organization in the United States of America. From its inception, this organization has aided people during the times of emergencies.

American Red Cross History

The American Red Cross society was formed by Clara Barton, born in Oxford, Massachusetts. She was a school teacher and government official who worked as a nurse for wounded soldiers during the Civil War. She, along with some acquaintances, strove for establishing the American Red Cross Society. Their efforts bore fruit and the American Red Cross was established on May 1881, making Clara Barton the first President of the organization. In 1822, the government of the United States of America also signed the Geneva Convention, which is considered as the basis for humanitarian law.

The first service provided by the American Red Cross was to the victims of the Great Fire of 1881 in Michigan. In the following years, this small association constantly worked and organized various relief programs for the destruction caused by different natural calamities like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, etc. It also aided the American military during the Spanish-American War. In 1900, this organization received a charter from the Congress, asking them to work, implementing the guidelines of the Geneva Convention, which emphasizes that an organization should not only work during wars, but also provide relief during the time of peace. In 1905, it again received a Congressional Charter, but with a slight revision and those rules are being followed till date.

By the year 1914, there were 107 segments of the Red Cross serving in different parts of America. However, the major development of the Red Cross organization took place during World War I. It is reported that 20 million Americans joined the Red Cross organization and 3,864 sections were formed to give aid and support the victims of war. It had sent many ambulances, first aid, hospital staff, water and more than 20,000 nurses to help the military. Monetary aid came in millions of dollars from every corner of the country. The Junior Red Cross was established during this time, wherein youngsters got an opportunity to serve their nation.

The American Red Cross society continued working for the betterment of victims, even after the war. It helped in rebuilding lives of those who lost their families and provided free education to orphans.

During World War II, along with the services to the military, the American Red Cross also aided the allies of the country and the civilian victims of war. It also sent food packages and conducted a blood collection drive, sending 13.3 million pints of blood to save the life of the soldiers of war. This blood collection drive was further expanded and today, the American Red Cross Society is known for supplying blood and blood products across the country.

The American Red Cross provides training to its volunteers help families, friends and neighbors during the time of crisis like floods, earthquakes, plane crashes, terrorist attacks, etc. It has not restricted its services to helping people only in crisis, but has extended its horizon to a variety of areas like biomedical research, teaching civil defense and educating people about various life-threatening diseases like HIV/AIDS. Most importantly, it provides emotional support and care to the distressed.

The American Red Cross is an autonomous organization which is tremendously supported by people of the country, through donations. This organization acts like an ointment, relieving people in this world of terror and chaos.