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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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People File • Activist

Emily Greene Balch

Emily Greene Balch was an American economist, sociologist, pacifist, and peace activist who shared the 1946 Nobel Peace Prize.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Emily Greene Balch was an American economist and peace activist who shared the 1946 Nobel Peace Prize. She was a leading figure in the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

Who she was

Born in 1867 in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, Balch studied economics at Bryn Mawr College and later worked as a professor. Her early career in social reform and public service laid the groundwork for a life dedicated to peace and international cooperation.

What she achieved

Balch helped lead the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, advocating for disarmament and peace during and after World War I. In 1946, she shared the Nobel Peace Prize with John R. Mott, the award recognizing her lifelong activism for international understanding.

Why she matters

Balch is remembered as an important feminist and peace activist whose work influenced later peace and human-rights movements. Her legacy endures in the ongoing efforts for disarmament and global cooperation, especially among women-led organizations.

In short

  • Shared the 1946 Nobel Peace Prize with John R. Mott
  • Leading figure in the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
  • Advocated for disarmament and international cooperation
  • Born 1867; died 1961 at age 94
Canadian angle

No direct Canada-specific connection is established in the provided sources.

Quick questions

Who is Emily Green?
This topic most likely refers to Emily Greene Balch, the American economist and peace activist who won the 1946 Nobel Peace Prize.
What is Emily Green known for?
Emily Greene Balch is known for her peace activism, leadership in the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and her Nobel Peace Prize.
How old is Emily Green?
Emily Greene Balch was born in 1867 and died in 1961 at age 94.

Sources

  1. Nobel Prizehttps://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1946/balch/facts/
    Supports: Birth date, death date, nationality, role, and Nobel Peace Prize fact.
  2. Social Welfare History Projecthttps://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/people/balch-emily-greene/
    Supports: Biographical overview, occupation, and peace activism.
  3. Bryn Mawr Collegehttps://www.brynmawr.edu/bulletin/woman-peace
    Supports: Education, career, and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom leadership.
  4. Library of Congresshttps://blogs.loc.gov/inside_adams/2017/01/emily-greene-balch-economist-sociologist-pacifist-and-nobel-laureate/
    Supports: Professional roles and historical significance.