Final answer:
The Red Cross Society was founded following Henri Dunant's experiences during the Battle of Solferino, and the red cross symbol pays tribute to Switzerland. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand and subsequent alliances led to World War I where new weapons like tanks and poison gas changed warfare, and food shortages in Germany and Austria-Hungary were caused by blockades and mismanagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Red Cross Society was adopted following the experiences of Henri Dunant during the Battle of Solferino. Dunant witnessed the horrifying aftermath of the battle, which spurred him to neglect his business and focus on humanitarian efforts, eventually leading to the establishment of the Red Cross. The symbol of the Red Cross, a red cross on a white background, was chosen because it is the reverse of the Swiss flag, honoring the country where the Red Cross was founded.
The society's motto is 'Inter Arma Caritas' ('Amongst Arms, Charity'), reiterating its commitment to providing care in times of armed conflict. Furthermore, in regards to World War I, after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a series of alliances and treaties among European powers led to the outbreak of the war, which both reflected and reinforced the divisions between opposing nations. Early in the conflict, the U.S. trade with the Allies, despite official neutrality, was decidedly in their favor.
Among the new weaponry introduced in World War I were tanks, poison gas, and machine guns, which had drastic effects on combat and led to trench warfare. Colonial troops were recruited and used extensively by European powers in their war efforts. Food shortages in Germany and Austria-Hungary were brought on by Allied blockades and domestic mismanagement. During the war, the U.S. government expanded its powers, enacting measures like the Espionage Act to suppress dissent and manage the war economy.
To cope with revolutionary activity, Russia had implemented reforms and repressions. However, exhausted by the war and internal strife, Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918, ceding a significant amount of territory to the Central Powers, deeming it necessary to exit the war and deal with the internal revolution. The European struggle for colonies and the formation of major alliances significantly contributed to the tensions that precipitated World War I.