Who founded the American Red Cross?

Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, establishing it in 1881. She was motivated by her experiences as a nurse during the Civil War and recognized the need for a national organization to assist with disaster relief and emergency response. Barton's vision was to provide care to soldiers, but she expanded the mission to include support for civilians in times of natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes. As a pioneering figure in nursing and humanitarian work, she led the organization for 23 years, during which she helped shape its policies and practices, emphasizing the importance of volunteerism and community involvement in providing aid. Through her leadership, the American Red Cross became a vital component of emergency response in the United States and continues to be a key player in disaster relief efforts today.