Humanity, impartiality, and voluntary service, are just a few of the fundamental principles of the Global Red Cross Network. The American Red Cross was established to “prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of the emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”1 To this day, the American Red Cross continues to help alleviate suffering and help those in need, all thanks to the contributions and relentless efforts of its founder Clara Barton.
The American National Red Cross Society, known as the American Red Cross, in Washington, D.C., was established on May 21, 1881 by Clara Harlowe Barton.2 Before establishing the American Red Cross, Barton served in the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian War, where she helped save the lives of countless men.3 The International Red Cross was established through the Geneva Convention of 1864. The Geneva Convention authorized the “Red Cross Treaty.” This treaty allowed for protection of those not participating in a conflict or battle, such as prisoners of war (POW), soldiers wounded on the battlefield, doctors, nurses, and hospital units displaying the Red Cross emblem.4 President Rutherford B. Hayes had not endorsed the Geneva Convention of 1864 due to the fact that it would seem that the United States and the European Nations were forming an alliance; however, Barton was not discouraged. Instead, she continued to lobby President Hayes in order to convince him to endorse the Geneva Convention treaties. Although her argument seemed persuasive, President Hayes was still dubious of the treaty and rejected her petition.5
Barton was undaunted and on May 21, 1881 she was able to establish the American Red Cross Society. She worked laboriously in order to ratify the Geneva Convention so that the American Red Cross could link up to the International Red Cross. In 1882, Barton was able to tie the American Red Cross back with the International Red Cross due to the signing of the Geneva Convention of 1882. With this task completed, Barton was able to focus on beginning her next campaign: making the American Red Cross the central relief agency in the United States.6
Throughout the remainder of her life, Barton continued to help those in need. Some of her work included helping people affected by natural disasters and those involved in war. Barton continuously traveled, seeking funds and support from the public, and although she was able to help hundreds of people throughout her time working for the American Red Cross, she was constantly criticized for not keeping track of her expenditures. Barton kept the American Red Cross very decentralized, which gave all of the local chapters hands-on authority. Many of her followers did not agree with this. Mabel Thorp Boardman wanted to centralize the American Red Cross based on new theories of “scientific management.” After Bordman’s countless efforts to take over Barton’s presidential seat, Boardman decided to instigate a congressional investigation into the organization. Due to Barton’s lack of keeping track of expenditures and donations, the investigation vindicated her and in 1904, Barton was forced to resign.7
Thanks to the relentless efforts of Clara Barton, we now have a source of help for all Americans suffering and in need of emergency relief. Today, a stone monument along with a Red Cross is displayed on the Antietam battlefield paying special tribute to her exceptional service. The memorial reads: “Clara Barton — During the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862, Clara Barton brought supplies and nursing aid to the wounded on this battlefield. This act of love and mercy led to the birth of the present American Red Cross.” At the base of the monument is more text: “This symbolic Red Cross has been made from a brick from the chimney of the home where Clara Barton was born at North Oxford, Massachusetts, on Christmas Day, 1821.” Clara Barton was, as one doctor at Antietam declared, “the true heroine of the age, the angel of the battlefield.”8
- American Red Cross, “Mission & Principles | American Red Cross Mission Statement,” http://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/mission-and-values (accessed September 27, 2016). ↵
- Marian Moser Jones, The American Red Cross from Clara Barton to the New Deal (JHU Press, 2012): xviii. ↵
- Glenn W. LaFantasie, “The Trials of Clara Barton and Triumphs,” America’s Civil War 18, no. 2 (2005): 38-39. ↵
- Howard Markel, “Clara Barton’s Crusade to Bring the Red Cross to America,” PBS NewsHour, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/clara-barton-founding-american-red-cross/ (accessed September 20, 2016). ↵
- Howard Markel, “Clara Barton’s Crusade to Bring the Red Cross to America,” PBS NewsHour. (accessed September 20, 2016). ↵
- Salem Press Biographical Encyclopedia, 2016, s.v. “Clara Barton,” by Fred R. van Hartesveldt. ↵
- Laura Morrow, “Clara’s Heart,” Policy Review, no. 75 (February 1, 1996): 64. ↵
- Glenn W. LaFantasie,”The Trials of Clara Barton and Triumphs,” America’s Civil War 18, no. 2 (2005): 40. ↵
36 comments
Lianna Ybarra
Great article! I didn’t know that she was the one who started the red cross. I think it’s great that she had the dedication and persistency to keep trying to get the President to acknowledge the organization and have it as one. She is an inspiration to young women today. The efforts she made to get medical supplies and treatment to the wounded is so great. The American Red Cross is a widely known organization that helps thousands of people if not more.
Johnanthony Hernandez
Interesting article, and it is amazing to still see Clara Barton’s influence still alive today. Her perseverance to get President Hayes to endorse the Geneva Convention of 1864 is more than what most would do. I didn’t know that at the start the American Red Cross had so much opposition. A great article filled with very informative information about the rise of the Red Cross in America.
Gabriela Serrato
It is amazing how the determination of Clara Barton brought about the Red Cross that was a must in the past, just as it is today. I myself find it inspiring that one could find the generosity and selflessness to want to organize The Red Cross for no means more than helping others. As time has shown, and still continues to, many people only seek to obtain personal gain from all that they do. That is why it is so refreshing to know that The Red Cross had such pure beginnings. I feel that as a world, we are all capable of caring for others in times of need, yet not everyone does so. And for that reason, again I say, it is nice to read about a tenacious woman care so much for all.
Erik Rodriguez
Amazing story! I honestly had no idea who Clara Barton was before reading this. Now that I have read it, you have provided me with great detail on one of the most aiding organizations in the world!
Clara Barton’s dream of saving people life’s not only came true, but still lives on today. Her passion and relentless efforts to help people cetiantly payed off, and has left a legacy for years to remember.
SUPER informative and well written article, great job!!
Tina Valdez
Is it not amazing to still see the fruits of the labor Clara Barton worked for in1881 more than a century later? I find it amazing. Ms. Barton had a heart for the work she was doing. I had no idea that she was forced to resign from her position, I honestly find it rater shocking. However, I am still glad to credit her with the founding of the American Red Cross – her legacy will still remain because of her hard work to do so. I loved your article, very important topic.
Rafael Ortiz Salas
Its interesting to know the story of how the Red Cross got created. Clara Barton’s motivation was really special, she wanted to save lives in the battlefield. Her institution still remains until this day, many people are getting hep from the red cross and is responsible of saving many lives. Good informational article.:)
Mariana Sandoval
I think Clara Barton would be proud to see that her organization lives on today and it is still doing a lot of needed good for people. It’s sad that she was forced resign because her lack of bookkeeping (understandable, but still sad). I think it’s very empowering to see a woman achieving her dreams and having a strong legacy in American society.
Amanda Cantu
This was a very informative article and I enjoyed reading it. I knew that the American Red Cross helped people in need but that was all I really knew. So it was very beneficially getting to know how it was created. Clara Barton is a true hero for forming this organization and she deserves more credit. This organization does so much and its truly incredible to know there are people who are still willing to help each other out.
Jezel Luna
Clara Barton’s motivation is so intriguing. The efforts she made saving so many lives and never giving up on her dreams really inspired me. She spent her whole life helping those in need and dedicating herself to her work. No matter how many times she was told no, she never let this stop her and that alone is a remarkable trait that I aspire to have. Great work, keep it up!
Christopher Rodriguez
I enjoyed the read and believe it was very informative to me because it helped me see how the Red Cross came about. I always heard the name and knew it was a place that helped many refugees and many people around that world that are suffering. It was great to know the works of Clara Barton and the heart and compassion she showed to get the Red Cross started. It amazes me how its still being improved and used today throughout the world.