Lecture | The Hague and the Peace Movement around 1900
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We dive into the fascinating history of the Hague Peace conferences. Driven by Tsar Nicholas II and Queen Wilhelmina, The Hague became the world stage for discussions on international arms control. In 1898 twenty-six countries gathered at Palace Huis ten Bosch to curb the arms race. Although that goal was certainly not achieved, they did establish the very first rules of warfare and founded the Permanent Court of Arbitration. This was a monumental achievement by these idealists, who wanted disputes between nations to be resolved without taking up arms.
Can we still learn something today from the world-improvers of that era?
An inspiring program
● Lecture by Benjamin Duerr (click here for bio): The well-known author of the book De droom van Den Haag (The Dream of The Hague) takes you back to the turbulent months of the Peace conferences and the subsequent foundation of the Peace Palace. He highlights the prominent figures of that time and explains how this dynamic period shaped the identity of The Hague forever.
● Unique Historical Encounters: Thanks to the recent discovery of copies of the forty original speeches delivered at the opening of the Peace Palace in 1913, we are bringing two iconic key figures back to the stage:
○ Baroness Bertha von Suttner: The charismatic author of 'Die Waffen Nieder' (Lay Down Your Arms) and the driving force behind the movement. She will deliver her powerful 1913 speech once again, allowing you to meet this extraordinary woman 'in person'.
○ Andrew Carnegie: The man who sold his steel mills to become a philanthropist. As the main financier of the Peace movement, he shares his historical insights, which remain surprisingly relevant today.
Ticket costs: € 15,- p.p. / Students: € 10,- p.p.
Ticketsales via website
This lecture is part of the Art Nouveau Festijn - The Hague around 1900 (www.artnouveaufestijn.nl), which takes place on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Can we still learn something today from the world-improvers of that era?
An inspiring program
● Lecture by Benjamin Duerr (click here for bio): The well-known author of the book De droom van Den Haag (The Dream of The Hague) takes you back to the turbulent months of the Peace conferences and the subsequent foundation of the Peace Palace. He highlights the prominent figures of that time and explains how this dynamic period shaped the identity of The Hague forever.
● Unique Historical Encounters: Thanks to the recent discovery of copies of the forty original speeches delivered at the opening of the Peace Palace in 1913, we are bringing two iconic key figures back to the stage:
○ Baroness Bertha von Suttner: The charismatic author of 'Die Waffen Nieder' (Lay Down Your Arms) and the driving force behind the movement. She will deliver her powerful 1913 speech once again, allowing you to meet this extraordinary woman 'in person'.
○ Andrew Carnegie: The man who sold his steel mills to become a philanthropist. As the main financier of the Peace movement, he shares his historical insights, which remain surprisingly relevant today.
Ticket costs: € 15,- p.p. / Students: € 10,- p.p.
Ticketsales via website
This lecture is part of the Art Nouveau Festijn - The Hague around 1900 (www.artnouveaufestijn.nl), which takes place on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2026.
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Where is it happening?
Anna Paulownastraat 78, 2518 BJ Den Haag, Nederland, Anna Paulownastraat 78, 2518 BJ Den Haag, Nederland, The Hague, Netherlands
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherArt Nouveau Festijn - Den Haag rond 1900
