Pacifism in Germany

Pacifism in Germany has been subject to significant fluctuations in influence and popular support since the country's unification. Initially a small movement in Imperial Germany, the German Peace Society, founded in 1892, struggled against a prevailing culture of militarism and expansion. Pacifism remained limited during World War I due to strong pro-war sentiment and government censorship, though women's groups notably opposed the conflict. The movement was virtually non-existent and suppressed under the Nazi regime, led by Adolf Hitler, which championed a pro-war ideology.

The main exception to this militarism was during the Cold War, with a Bonn peace demonstration having a large turnout of around 300,000 people. Christian peace groups have been the most consistently pacifistic, as an opposition to violence is a key part of the Christian faith. The size of pacifist groups in Germany, whilst remaining small, has varied throughout the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. The public's opinion regarding pacifists has also varied with historical periods.

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