Prize Orations of the Intercollegiate Peace Association

A thoughtful anthology gathers the most compelling undergraduate speeches delivered under the banner of the Intercollegiate Peace Association. Across the pages, young scholars from campuses ranging from the Midwest to the East Coast argue for a world where dialogue replaces the clang of arms, drawing on history, economics, and philosophy to frame their visions. The introductory notes also reveal careful textual work, explaining the modest corrections that preserve the original eloquence of each address.

Listeners will encounter a spectrum of ideas—from analyses of war’s economic waste to hopeful sketches of a future built on international arbitration and shared moral purpose. Each oration reflects the earnest optimism of students who imagine a society where the lessons of past conflicts guide a more peaceful tomorrow. The collection offers a rare glimpse into the intellectual climate of early‑20th‑century America, inviting reflection on how youthful idealism can still influence contemporary debates about global harmony.