1905: Bertha von Suttner is Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

In recognition of her tireless commitment to peace and disarmament, in 1905 the Austrian writer Bertha von Suttner (1843–1914) was the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Suttner explored and debated ideas around pacifism and in 1891 she founded the "Austrian Society of Friends of Peace" (ÖFG). As its president she took part in international peace congresses, wrote newspaper articles and gave countless lectures, including in the USA. Bertha von Suttner was heavily involved in the first Hague Peace Conference (1899), which was held to draw up international regulations for the peaceful settlement of conflicts and for safeguarding the peace (e.g. creation of an international court of arbitration). In the same year she published the novel “Lay Down Your Arms”, which tells of an aristocratic woman’s adoption of pacifism. Her anti-war novel touched on the burning questions of the day and was a global success. The peace activist also campaigned for women’s rights (suffrage, equality) and fought against National Socialism and anti-semitism. Suttner saw education as an important foundation for a peaceful society.

While preparing for the 21st World Peace Conference, Bertha von Suttner died on 21 June 1914 in Vienna, where the conference was due to be held in September 1914—an event made impossible by the outbreak of the First World War (1914–1918).

Suttner’s vision and her commitment to securing peace have left their mark. Today, the streets, squares and schools named after her in many countries and cities commemorate this extraordinary activist of the peace movement.