Barton's Lasting Impact (part 2)

 

During a vacation in Switzerland in 1869, Barton met Dr. Louis Appia, who requested her aid in ratifying the Treaty of Geneva, which would create the organization we know today as the Red Cross (33).

 

Barton agreed to help Dr. Appia by organizing Red Cross relief efforts following the Franco-Prussian War, and was impressed by the aid stations on the battlefield. Once the war had ended, Barton remained involved by organizing rebuilding efforts. There, she established her policy that would become the guiding principal of the Red Cross: helping oneself and not relying on handouts. In 1880, inspired by Dr. Abbia, Barton established (and was president of) The American Red Cross (34).

 

Today, the American Red Cross continues to be a major force in disaster relief, all thanks to Barton's work in Europe.