Battle of Solferino

The Battle of Solferino took place on June 24, 1859, during the Second Italian War of Independence, where French and Sardinian forces fought against the Austrian army in northern Italy. This chaotic and bloody battle resulted in around 300,000 soldiers engaged, leading to over 40,000 casualties. The intense suffering witnessed by the battlefield prompted Swiss humanitarian Henry Dunant to advocate for better care for wounded soldiers, ultimately leading to the founding of the International Red Cross and the development of humanitarian laws in warfare. The battle is a significant event in military history and humanitarian efforts.