Two adoptions of the Red Cross : the Chinese Red Cross and the Red Swastika Society from 1904 to 1949

Abstract

Looking at the social and political transformation of China during the entire Republican era, my thesis explores the twofold adoption of the Red Cross in the country. My examination reveals that the model served reform-oriented philanthropists of the Chinese Red Cross Society to establish relief structures to improve the country’s welfare system through the implementation of Western approaches. In addition, the Red Cross was of use for supporters of China’s religiously-based philanthropy who reformed the faith-based mission of the Red Swastika Society to gain legitimization and to advance emergency measures. Adding to current research on the development of humanitarianism a so far marginally explored local case study, my thesis suggests that the Red Cross in China not only served reform-oriented philanthropists, but also served supporters of China’s traditional philanthropy.