The Great War and the Origins of Humanitarianism: 1918-1924

The Great War was a watershed moment in the history of humanitarianism. The unprecedented scale of suffering and devastation caused by the war led to a profound shift in attitudes towards the need for international cooperation and assistance. This article explores the origins of humanitarianism in the aftermath of the Great War, focusing on the key figures and organizations involved in the development of a new international humanitarian order.

The Great War and the Origins of Humanitarianism, 1918–1924 (Studies in the Social and Cultural History of Modern Warfare)

by Bruno Cabanes

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2304 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	398 pages
Paperback	:	104 pages
Item Weight	:	12 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.27 x 0.24 x 11.69 inches

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The Red Cross and the League of Nations

The Red Cross was one of the most important organizations involved in the development of humanitarianism in the aftermath of the Great War. Founded in 1863, the Red Cross had been providing medical assistance to wounded soldiers during wartime for decades. However, the Great War saw the Red Cross's role expand significantly. In addition to providing medical care, the Red Cross also provided food, clothing, and shelter to refugees and displaced persons. The Red Cross also played a key role in the repatriation of prisoners of war and the search for missing persons.

The League of Nations was another important organization involved in the development of humanitarianism in the aftermath of the Great War. Founded in 1919, the League of Nations was the first international organization dedicated to maintaining peace and security. The League of Nations also played a key role in the development of international humanitarian law. In 1925, the League of Nations adopted the Geneva Conventions, which set out the basic principles of international humanitarian law.

Key Figures in the Development of Humanitarianism

There were a number of key figures involved in the development of humanitarianism in the aftermath of the Great War. These figures included:

• Herbert Hoover: Hoover was the United States Food Administrator during the Great War. After the war, Hoover led the American Relief Administration, which provided food aid to Europe. Hoover also played a key role in the development of the League of Nations.
• Fridtjof Nansen: Nansen was a Norwegian explorer and diplomat. After the Great War, Nansen led the League of Nations' refugee program. Nansen also played a key role in the development of the Nansen Passport, which allowed refugees to travel without a visa.
• Jane Addams: Addams was an American social worker and pacifist. After the Great War, Addams helped to found the American Civil Liberties Union and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Addams also played a key role in the development of the League of Nations.

The Development of Humanitarian Principles

The development of humanitarianism in the aftermath of the Great War was based on a number of key principles. These principles included:

• Humanity: The principle of humanity requires that all human beings be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, religion, nationality, or political beliefs.
• Impartiality: The principle of impartiality requires that humanitarian aid be provided to all those in need, regardless of their political or religious affiliation.
• Neutrality: The principle of neutrality requires that humanitarian organizations remain neutral in political and military conflicts.
• Independence: The principle of independence requires that humanitarian organizations be independent from governments and other political actors.

The Great War was a watershed moment in the history of humanitarianism. The unprecedented scale of suffering and devastation caused by the war led to a profound shift in attitudes towards the need for international cooperation and assistance. This article has explored the origins of humanitarianism in the aftermath of the Great War, focusing on the key figures and organizations involved in the development of a new international humanitarian order.

The Great War and the Origins of Humanitarianism, 1918–1924 (Studies in the Social and Cultural History of Modern Warfare)

by Bruno Cabanes

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2304 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	398 pages
Paperback	:	104 pages
Item Weight	:	12 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.27 x 0.24 x 11.69 inches

FREE