THE ACTIVITIES OF EMPRESS MARIA ALEXANDROVNA AND THE SMOLENSK BRANCH OF THE RED CROSS

The article examines the history of the founding of the Russian Red Cross Society, as well as the role of Empress Maria Alexandrovna in the formation and development of this organization. In the course of the study, the author also highlights the regional aspect based on data on the establishment of the Red Cross in the Smolensk province. The author comes to the conclusion that Maria Alexandrovna's activity was aimed at the development of this society: She took part in the opening of hospitals, had a hand in creating the symbols of the organization, personally selected its members, and also spoke on behalf of all its participants, thereby showing the importance and seriousness of the organization's activities.