What was the purpose of the Washington Naval Disarmament Conference and the Kellogg-Briand Pact? What prompted them? Was the purpose accomplished?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Naval_Conference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellogg%E2%80%93Briand_Pact
The Washington Naval Conferences and the Kellogg-Briand Pact were attempts by the United States to
The purpose of the Washington Naval Disarmament Conference was to address the arms race and naval build-up among major world powers after World War I. It was held in 1921-1922 in Washington D.C., and was attended by nine nations: the United States, Great Britain, Japan, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and China.
The conference aimed to establish limitations on the size and number of warships each country could possess, in order to reduce tensions and prevent future conflicts. It resulted in several important treaties, including the Five-Power Treaty, which set a ratio for capital ships (battleships and aircraft carriers) between the United States, Great Britain, and Japan, and the Four-Power Treaty, which established a framework for diplomatic cooperation in the Pacific.
The Kellogg-Briand Pact, also known as the Pact of Paris, was signed in 1928. It was an international agreement initiated by the U.S. Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg and the French Foreign Minister Aristide Briand. The pact aimed to renounce war as an instrument of national policy and resolve disputes through peaceful means.
Both the Washington Naval Disarmament Conference and the Kellogg-Briand Pact were prompted by the devastating impact of World War I and the desire to prevent future conflicts. The horrors of the war had made many people realize the need for disarmament and peaceful relations between nations.
However, it can be argued that the goals of both initiatives were only partially accomplished. While the Washington Naval Disarmament Conference did limit the naval arms race to some extent, it did not prevent militarization in other areas, such as land and air forces. Similarly, the Kellogg-Briand Pact failed to prevent the outbreak of World War II and was largely ineffective in stopping aggression among nations. Overall, while these initiatives had good intentions, they were not able to fully achieve their intended purposes.
The Washington Naval Disarmament Conference and the Kellogg-Briand Pact were both diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting disarmament and maintaining peace in the early 20th century.
1. Washington Naval Disarmament Conference:
- Purpose: The conference, held in Washington D.C. from November 1921 to February 1922, sought to limit naval arms races among major powers and reduce the tensions brought about by competition for naval supremacy.
- Prompt: The conference was prompted by the desire to prevent a recurrence of the devastating World War I, where naval dominance played a significant role.
- Accomplishment: While the conference did not eliminate navies, it resulted in several important treaties, including the Five-Power Treaty (1922), which set limits on the number and tonnage of capital ships for the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Italy. Additionally, the Four-Power Treaty (1922) aimed to preserve the status quo in the Pacific region. Overall, the conference helped stabilize naval powers and avoid further escalation, to some extent.
2. Kellogg-Briand Pact:
- Purpose: The Kellogg-Briand Pact, signed in 1928, aimed to renounce war as an instrument of national policy and promote peaceful resolution of conflicts.
- Prompt: The horrors of World War I and the desire for lasting peace motivated the drafting of this pact. The public sentiment strongly favored avoiding another large-scale war.
- Accomplishment: The purpose of the Kellogg-Briand Pact, to end aggression and maintain peace, was idealistic. Though it was initially considered a significant achievement, it ultimately proved ineffective. The absence of enforcement mechanisms limited its impact, and the outbreak of World War II exposed its limitations.
In summary, the Washington Naval Disarmament Conference and the Kellogg-Briand Pact were prompted by the devastation of World War I and aimed to prevent future conflicts. While they experienced varying degrees of success, neither completely achieved their ultimate goals of permanent global disarmament and the elimination of war as a means of international relations.