Activities of the Red Cross Society in Ukraine during the First World war

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to reveal the main areas of activity of the Red Cross Society in Ukraine during the First World War (1914–1918). The author made an attempt, based on both published and unpublished sources, to characterize the multifaceted work of the Society directly in the theater of operations (the South-Western Front), as well as to highlight the main areas of activity of the Red Cross beyond the front lines. Methodology. In the research process, the path of dominance of the following principles was chosen: the principle of historicism, the principle of objectivity, comprehensiveness and integrity of the source. As part of the study of the history of the Society, general scientific research methods were used, such as induction and deduction. Scientific novelty. The article presents an analysis of the main areas of work of the Red Cross society, namely: evacuation of the wounded and sick from advanced positions; their further treatment in rear medical facilities; rehabilitation of the wounded, sick and disabled; assistance to prisoners of war; providing assistance to the civilian population; international activity of the Society. An assessment of the effectiveness of the society’s social and humanitarian activities in helping victims of famine, epidemic diseases, natural disasters and preparing the population for the protection of the state and its cooperation with military societies is given. Research results. Researched: the process of evolution of the organizational structure of the Society in 1914–1918, sources of funding for the activities of the Red Cross; the main directions of his activity both in advanced positions and beyond. It is emphasized that the insufficient effectiveness of state structures in the organization of medical and sanitary economy led to the fact that the Society partially intercepts these functions, turning out in many cases to be competitors and even monopolists in some fields of medical and not only medical care.