1828-1910

Swiss banker and philanthropist whose plea for better care for the war wounded led to the foundation of the International Red Cross. After witnessing Napoleon's bloody battle at Solferino, Italy, Dunant published Un Souvenir de Solferino (A Memory of Solferino) in 1862, asking for the creation of an international organization to care for those wounded in war. The following year, two international conferences were held and the International Red Cross was established. Dunant gave the Red Cross its insignia (a red cross on a white background) and helped to fund the organization. In 1901 he was awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize, which he shared with Frédéric Passy.