Christian Lange

Christian Lous Lange was born on September 4, 1869, in Stavanger, Norway. He would go on to become a prominent Norwegian historian, teacher, and politician. Lange is best known for his work with the Inter-Parliamentary Union and his advocacy for peace, which eventually earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1921.

At the start of 1899, Christian Lange was appointed as the Secretary of the Nobel Committee of the Norwegian Parliament. In this role, he was instrumental in the evaluation and selection process of Nobel Peace Prize laureates, contributing his views on peace and diplomacy to the committee's proceedings.

On October 15, 1907, Christian Lange was a key figure advocating for disarmament at the Second Hague Peace Conference. He argued passionately for the reduction of armaments, believing that excessive military build-up was a significant threat to global peace and security. His advocacy was influential in advancing international disarmament talks.

On April 18, 1910, Christian Lange played a significant role in the 18th Inter-Parliamentary Conference held in Brussels. He advocated for arbitration and international cooperation as essential tools for ensuring world peace. Lange's speech emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding between nations' legislative bodies.

Christian Lange was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1921, alongside Hjalmar Branting, for their lifelong commitment to the cause of peace and their work in the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Lange’s efforts were critical in promoting diplomatic dialogue and cooperation among nations, making a significant impact in the international peace movement during the early 20th century.

In January 1925, Christian Lange published influential works concerning the League of Nations and its role in preventing wars and promoting international cooperation. He analyzed the league's structure and function, proposing reforms to enhance its effectiveness and advocating for broader participation among nations.

On November 15, 1928, Christian Lange delivered a compelling lecture on peace at the University of Oslo. He stressed the role of education and public opinion in shaping a peaceful world order, urging students and faculty to engage in efforts promoting mutual understanding and conflict resolution as fundamental to peacebuilding.

In 1930, Christian Lange was serving as the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a position he held from 1909 to 1933. During his tenure, Lange worked tirelessly to promote peace, dialogue, and cooperation among the world's parliamentary institutions, helping to strengthen the role of parliaments in maintaining international peace and security.

On February 2, 1932, Christian Lange addressed the World Disarmament Conference in Geneva, advocating for comprehensive disarmament in the aftermath of World War I. His speech highlighted the dangers of arms races and proposed measures to achieve lasting peace. Lange's participation underscored his commitment to reducing global military tensions.

Christian Lous Lange passed away on December 11, 1934, in Oslo, Norway. His death marked the end of a significant career dedicated to fostering peace and cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy. Lange's contributions to international peace efforts and his work with the Nobel Peace Prize award continue to be celebrated and remembered.