Bertha von Suttner

Bertha Felicie Sophie von Suttner (née Countess Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau; June 9, 1843 – June 21, 1914) was an Austrian-Bohemian pacifist and novelist. She was the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which she received in 1905 for her efforts in the peace movement.

Early Life

Bertha von Suttner was born in Prague, then part of the Austrian Empire, into an aristocratic family. Her father, Franz de Paula Josef Graf Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau, was a field marshal in the Austrian army, and her mother, Sophie Wilhelmine von Körner, was of noble descent. Despite her noble lineage, the family faced financial difficulties after her father's death.

Career and Activism

Bertha von Suttner worked as a governess and a secretary to Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and founder of the Nobel Prizes. Her correspondence with Nobel influenced his decision to include a peace prize among the awards.

In 1889, she published her most famous novel, Die Waffen nieder! (Lay Down Your Arms!), which became a bestseller and a significant influence on the peace movement. The novel depicted the horrors of war and advocated for disarmament and peaceful conflict resolution.

Bertha von Suttner was a prominent figure in the International Peace Bureau and attended numerous peace congresses. Her work laid the groundwork for future peace organizations and movements.

Nobel Peace Prize

In 1905, Bertha von Suttner was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her lifelong dedication to the cause of peace. She was the first woman to receive this honor, highlighting her significant contributions to the peace movement.

Legacy

Bertha von Suttner's legacy continues to inspire peace activists around the world. Her life and work are a testament to the power of advocacy and the impact of literature in promoting social change.

Also see

• Alfred Nobel
• Nobel Peace Prize
• International Peace Bureau
• Pacifism
• Die Waffen nieder!