International History

1952 3¢ International Red Cross
October 29, 1863

International Red Cross Establishes Goals

On October 29, 1863, representatives from around the world joined together to establish the International Red Cross. It’s the oldest and one of the most well-recognized humanitarian organizations in the world.

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1961 4¢ Champions of Liberty: Mahatma Gandhi
October 2, 1869

Happy Birthday Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India. Gandhi is known worldwide for his peaceful protests and campaign that finally earned India its independence from British rule.

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1958 4¢ Lajos Kossuth
September 19, 1802

Birth of Lajos Kossuth  

Hungarian lawyer, statesman, and Governor-President Lajos Kossuth was born on September 19, 1802, in Monok, Kingdom of Hungary. Working for the independence of Hungary from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, he gained international acclaim and respect as a freedom fighter.

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1965 5¢ Dante Alighieri
September 14, 1321

Death of Dante Alighieri

The “Supreme Poet” Dante Alighieri is believed to have died on September 14, 1321. His Divine Comedy is considered one of the most important poems of the Middle Ages and the Italian language.

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1922 5¢ Theodore Roosevelt, dark blue
September 5, 1905

Roosevelt Orchestrates End of War 

On September 5, 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt mediated the Treaty of Portsmouth, ending the Russo-Japanese War. It earned him a Nobel Prize and began a long-standing tree-giving tradition between the US and Japan.

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1952 3¢ International Red Cross
August 22, 1864

The First Geneva Convention

On August 22, 1864, twelve nations signed the first Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field. This convention and subsequent treaties and protocols established the legal standard for humanitarian treatment in times of war.

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1966 5¢ Migratory Bird Treaty
August 16, 1916

US and Canada Sign Migratory Bird Treaty

On August 16, 1916, the US and Canada signed the first Migratory Bird Treaty to protect the birds that live in both nations. Several programs came out of this agreement that has helped to save hundreds of species of migratory birds.

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1997 32¢ Raoul Wallenberg
August 4, 1912

Birth of Raoul Wallenberg

Humanitarian and diplomat Raoul Gustaf Wallenberg was born on August 4, 1912, in Lidingö Municipality, Sweden. Working with the War Refugee Board, he helped over 20,000 Jewish people escape Nazi-occupied Hungary.

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1996 32¢ Fulbright Scholarships
August 1, 1946

Fulbright Scholarships

On August 1, 1946, President Harry Truman signed legislation establishing the Fulbright Program. An international exchange program, the Fulbright Scholarship is considered one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.  

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