First Nobel Prizes Awarded

Setting the scene

Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite, became wealthy from his 355 patents. In 1888, a French newspaper mistakenly published his obituary, calling him 'the merchant of death' who 'became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever.' Horrified at his legacy, Nobel rewrote his will in 1895, leaving 94% of his fortune—31 million kronor ($250 million today)—to establish prizes for those who 'conferred the greatest benefit to humankind' in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace.

What happened

Nobel died December 10, 1896. After legal battles with relatives, the Nobel Foundation was established in 1900. The first prizes were awarded December 10, 1901, the fifth anniversary of Nobel's death, in Stockholm and Oslo. Winners included Wilhelm Röntgen (physics, for X-rays), Jacobus van 't Hoff (chemistry), Emil von Behring (medicine, for diphtheria serum), Sully Prudhomme (literature), and Jean Henri Dunant and Frédéric Passy (peace, for Red Cross and peace activism). Each received 150,782 kronor.

Why it still matters

The Nobel Prizes became the world's most prestigious awards, shaping scientific and cultural priorities for 120 years. They have honored Einstein, Curie, Mandela, and 900+ others. The prizes created incentives for basic research and peace work, and the ceremonies became global media events. Nobel's attempt to be remembered for peace rather than destruction succeeded—few remember dynamite, but all know the prizes. The economics prize was added in 1969. Controversies over omissions and political choices have occurred, but the prizes remain the gold standard for human achievement.

Background

The prizes were funded by Alfred Nobel's estate.