Dansk Fredsforening

Dansk Fredsforening or the Danish Peace Society was founded by Fredrik Bajer in 1882 when it was initially called Foreningen til Danmarks Neutralisering (Society for Denmark's Neutralization).^[1] It called for an international arbitration tribunal to resolve conflicts as a means of avoiding war. As a result of the Conservative's support for defence, it appealed to many Liberals who had campaigned against warfare. The Society underwent significant growth in the 1890s, leading to two petitions with a total of 533,000 signatures and a series of peace demonstrations.^[2]

Frederik Bajer, founder of the organization, together with his wife Matilde

The organization was based on three priorities: Denmark should be neutral; arbitration treaties should be concluded with like-minded nations; and, in accordance with the principle of self-determination, a peaceful solution should be found for the Schleswig question. The organization attracted wide interest. By around 1900, the organization had some 10,000 members.^[3] By 1905, it had 73 branches.^[4]

After Denmark joined the League of Nations, the name was changed to Dansk Freds- og Folkeforbundsforening (Danish Peace and League of Nations Society) and when the country joined the United Nations, the name became Dansk FN-Forening (Danish UNO Society).^[5]

There were several active women members of the organization, including Matilde Bajer, Henriette Beenfeldt, Henni Forchhammer, Eline Hansen, Johanne Meyer and Louise Nørlund.^[5]

See also

• Danske Kvinders Fredskæde
• List of anti-war organizations
• List of peace activists