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3 - History

Part I – The Gentlemen of Geneva and Dunant’s Dream

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2024

David P. Forsythe
Affiliation:
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
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Summary

This historical chapter explains the origins of the ICRC in Geneva immediately before and after 1863 and the organization’s very early activities. It goes into some detail about the two key founding fathers, Henry Dunant and Gustave Moynier. The focus on two key persons gives flesh and blood to early developments for both the ICRC and the global Red Cross network that the ICRC initiated and helped structure. Religious origins are contrasted with secular evolution. Amateurism is contrasted with a quest for professionalization. Flexible decision-making is noted. Also mentioned are Genevan Exceptionalism and Swiss nationalism. This chapter allows a vivid contrast between the early ICRC and the organization it has become in contemporary times.

Type
Chapter
Information
The Contemporary International Committee of the Red Cross
Challenges, Changes, Controversies
, pp. 42 - 64
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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  • History
  • David P. Forsythe, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
  • Book: The Contemporary International Committee of the Red Cross
  • Online publication: 01 February 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009387002.004
Available formats
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  • History
  • David P. Forsythe, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
  • Book: The Contemporary International Committee of the Red Cross
  • Online publication: 01 February 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009387002.004
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • History
  • David P. Forsythe, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
  • Book: The Contemporary International Committee of the Red Cross
  • Online publication: 01 February 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009387002.004
Available formats
×