The humanitarian recognized for founding the Red Cross is Henry Dunant. After witnessing the suffering of soldiers during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, Dunant advocated for the humane treatment of battlefield casualties. His efforts led to the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863, which aimed to provide assistance and alleviate human suffering in times of conflict. Dunant's vision for impartial humanitarian aid earned him the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.