In a surprise move today the Nobel committee awarded U.S. President Barack Obama the Peace Prize citing his efforts to change the worldwide diplomatic atmosphere, his inspiration of hope and his push for nuclear disarmament.
In Mr. Obama's acceptance speech he said he did not deserve such an award but accepted it on behalf of all people everywhere in the spirit of momentum towards lofty goals.
Only two other sitting U.S. presidents have received the prize: Woodrow Wilson in 1919 and Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Reaction from around the world was mixed, with many questioning how the president could earn the award after just nine months in office. Recently former president Carter won the award for his work in the Middle East peace process and former vice president Al Gore for raising awareness of global warming.
Warm Up Questions
1. What is the Nobel Peace Prize?
2. How do different people work towards world peace?
3. What does peace mean?
Discussion Questions
1. President Obama said he did not deserve the prize, do you agree? Why or why not?
2. What should be the qualifications for someone to win the Nobel "Peace" prize?
3. How could winning this award actually hurt Obama?
4. Research other winners and compare and contrast them to Obama.
Additional Resources
Nobel Committee Awards Peace Prize to President Obama
