Friedensnobelpreis für Tomáš Masaryk? Ein Intrigenspiel

This study deals with the lesser known story of the nomination of Tomáš Masaryk for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1913 and 1914. It covers the following questions: Who nominated Masaryk and for what purpose? What was the official motivation for his nomination? How did the leading circles in Vienna react to the nomination? As Masaryk was one of the harshest critics of the Habsburg Monarchy, especially of its foreign policy, his nomination was extremely controversial. It preoccupied the diplomats and officials during the crisis of the two Balkan Wars when Masaryk tried to play an active role in foreign policy. This article focuses on the analysis of the actions of the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Office and the heir to the throne Francis Ferdinand trying to frustrate his nomination.