Nobel Peace Prize

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Nobel Peace Prize

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The Nobel Peace Prize, one of five original prizes established by Alfred Nobel's will.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five original Nobel Prizes established by the will of Swedish industrialist, inventor, and armaments manufacturer Alfred Nobel, along with the prizes in Chemistry, Physics, Physiology or Medicine, and Literature. Since March 1901, it has been awarded annually (with some exceptions) to people who have "done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses". The Oxford Dictionary of Contemporary History describes it as "the most prestigious prize in the world". In accordance with Nobel's will, the prize is selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, a five-member committee appointed by the Parliament of Norway unlike all the other awards chosen by the Swedish Nobel Committee.

Key Developments & Impact

The prize award ceremony has been held in Oslo City Hall since 1990, previously in the assembly hall of the University of Oslo (1947–1989), Norwegian Nobel Institute (1905–1946), and the Parliament (1901–1904). Due to its political nature, the Nobel Peace Prize has for most of its history been subject to numerous controversies. The 2026 prize was awarded to Navi Pillay...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1901: 1901 Milestone — Since March 1901, it has been awarded annually (with some exceptions) to people who have "done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses".
2. 1990: 1990 Milestone — The prize award ceremony has been held in Oslo City Hall since 1990, previously in the assembly hall of the University of Oslo (1947–1989), Norwegian Nobel Institute (1905–1946), and the Parliament (1901–1904).
3. 2026: 2026 Milestone — The 2026 prize was awarded to Navi Pillay...

Notable Quotes by Nobel Peace Prize

“The Oxford Dictionary of Contemporary History describes it as "the most prestigious prize in the world".”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Nobel Peace Prize

True or False: “The Nobel Peace Prize has always been selected by the Swedish Nobel Committee.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Unlike the other Nobel Prizes, the Peace Prize is selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, appointed by the Parliament of Norway.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld — Historical peer (Died in 1901) (1901): Finland-Swedish baron, renowned geologist, and pioneering Arctic explorer.
• Alberto Giacometti — Historical peer (Born in 1901) (1901): Swiss master of existential sculpture, known for elongated, fragile human figures.
• A. J. P. Taylor — Historical peer (Died in 1990) (1990): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Aaron Copland — Historical peer (Died in 1990) (1990): Pioneering American composer, conductor, and critic, known as the "Dean of American Music".
• Al Capone — Historical peer (Died in 1947) (1947): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Alan Guth — Historical peer (Born in 1947) (1947): Pioneering cosmologist known for developing the theory of cosmic inflation.
• A. J. Ayer — Historical peer (Died in 1989) (1989): Influential English philosopher known for logical positivism and emotivism.
• Abbie Hoffman — Historical peer (Died in 1989) (1989): Iconic American activist, co-founder of the Yippies, and counterculture figure.
• Adolph Menzel — Historical peer (Died in 1905) (1905): Pioneering German Realist master, celebrated for his detailed etchings and genre scenes.
• Adolphe, Grand Duke of Luxembourg — Historical peer (Died in 1905) (1905): Grand Duke of Luxembourg, ruling from 1890 until his death in 1905.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nobel Peace Prize