History Here and Now

History's Worst Battles: The Battle of Solferino and the Creation of the Red Cross


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During the Second War of Italian Independence, 200,000 French, Italian, and Austrian troops brawled in a bare-knuckled, tight-quarters battle. Tactical blunders aside, poor organizational planning and preparation left many soldiers ill-equipped and without enough supplies. One observer, Henry Durant, recorded the carnage and vowed to change the way wars were fought. His advocacy for improving medical care for wounded soldiers and the humane treatment of prisoners paved the way for the establishment of the Geneva Convention and the International Red Cross. 

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History Here and NowBy Thomas M Richardson

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