A Memory of Solferino

work by Dunant

Also known as: “Un Souvenir de Solférino”

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July 14, 2026

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A Memory of Solferino is a book written by Henri Dunant, a Swiss humanitarian. The book details his experiences witnessing the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in 1859, where he observed the immense suffering of wounded soldiers left without adequate care.

Inspired by this, Dunant proposed the creation of voluntary relief societies in all countries to aid the wounded during wartime, regardless of nationality or creed. He also advocated for an international agreement to protect these wounded soldiers. This work directly led to the founding of the Red Cross and the first Geneva Convention, establishing principles for humanitarian aid in conflict.

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Henri Dunant
…Un Souvenir de Solférino (1862; A Memory of Solferino), he proposed the formation in all countries of voluntary relief societies for the prevention and alleviation of suffering in war and peacetime, without distinction of race or creed; he also proposed an international agreement covering the war wounded. In 1863 he…
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…Un Souvenir de Solférino (1862; A Memory of Solferino), he proposed the formation in all countries of voluntary relief societies for the prevention and alleviation of suffering in war and peacetime, without distinction of race or creed; he also proposed an international agreement covering the war wounded. In 1863 he…
Read More

Red Cross and Red Crescent
Origin
…Un Souvenir de Solferino (1862; A Memory of Solferino) he proposed the formation in all countries of voluntary relief societies, and in 1863 the International Committee for the Relief of the Wounded was created. This organization in turn spawned national Red Cross societies.
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…Un Souvenir de Solferino (1862; A Memory of Solferino) he proposed the formation in all countries of voluntary relief societies, and in 1863 the International Committee for the Relief of the Wounded was created. This organization in turn spawned national Red Cross societies.
Read More