Nonviolence and Pacifism in the Long Nineteenth Century

Dividing history into decimalized segments (decades, centuries) is convenient but at the same time often appears a bit artificial and arbitrary. As one scholar observes,"History is not a theater where the curtain suddenly falls" (Osterhammel 2014: 918). The nineteenth century proves the point, overlapping those that come before and after in interesting and significant ways, which enhance an understanding of its contributions to world peace. For this reason, the present discussion begins in the late eighteenth century and ends in the early twentieth. Space limitations permit highlighting only some major peace developments of the "long nineteenth century," but it is hoped that the flavor of the period will stand out clearly.