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The American Red Cross | |||
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Clarissa Barton was born December 25, 1821, in North Oxford, Massachusetts. At the beginning of the Civil War, Barton decided to work as a volunteer. She pushed for supplies and distributed bandages, socks, and other goods to help the wounded soldiers. During the years following the war, Barton lectured about her war experiences and worked with the suffragist movement. However, by 1869, Barton had worked herself into sickness. Through her doctor's orders she, traveled to Europe to rest. It was during this trip that Barton learned about the Red Cross. When Barton returned to the United States in 1873, she began her crusade for the Red Cross. The American Red Cross organization was formed in 1881, and Barton served as its first president. Several years later, she wrote the American amendment to the Red Cross constitution, which provided for disaster relief during peace time as well as war. Barton remained Red Cross president until 1904. During her term, she headed up relief work for disasters such as famines, floods, pestilence, and earthquakes in the United States and throughout the world. Her work with the Red Cross has made the organization what it is today. She opened the door for this organization and others. The effects of her crusade are still felt today. - http://www.redcross.org/ |
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