THE WOMEN'S PEACE CRUSADE: FEMINIST PACIFISM AS POLITICAL RESISTANCE (1848–1939)

Between 1848 and 1939, feminist pacifism emerged as a significant yet historically marginalized force in political thought on war and peace. Rooted in both ideological critique and direct activism, feminist pacifists challenged the militarization of patriarchal societies, advocating for non-violent conflict resolution, disarmament, and international cooperation. This paper examines the evolution of feminist pacifism, tracing its development from the revolutions of 1848 to the crises of the interwar period. It argues that feminist pacifism was not merely a moral rejection of war but a radical resistance to militarized state power, economic imperialism, and gendered oppression. The study explores key feminist thinkers, organizations, and movements, beginning with the intellectual foundations of feminist pacifism in the late 19th century. Figures such as Bertha von Suttner and Julia Ward Howe laid the groundwork for a gendered critique of war, while organizations like the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) institutionalized feminist approaches to peacebuilding and conflict prevention. During World War I, feminist pacifism transitioned from theory to active resistance, exemplified by the Hague Congress of 1915 and the Women’s Peace Crusade (1917). The interwar period presented both opportunities and challenges, as feminists confronted the failures of the League of Nations and the rise of fascism. While some remained committed to absolute pacifism, others debated the necessity of armed resistance against totalitarianism. Concluding that feminist pacifism was both a political philosophy and a form of resistance, this paper underscores its enduring relevance in contemporary debates on gender, war, and peace.