The Kellogg-Briand Pact, a significant interwar agreement, is defined within the context of Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) as a multinational treaty signed in 1928 that aimed to outlaw war as an instrument of national policy. Originating from a proposal by French Foreign Minister Aristide Briand to the United States, and subsequently broadened by U.S. Secretary of State Frank Kellogg, the pact ultimately involved numerous nations in its pledge to resolve disputes peacefully. Despite its idealistic aims, the agreement lacked enforcement mechanisms and proved ineffective in preventing subsequent conflicts.
The historical importance of this agreement lies in its reflection of the prevalent anti-war sentiment following the devastation of World War I. It illustrates the desire for international cooperation and collective security, yet also highlights the limitations of diplomatic efforts when not backed by concrete action. While offering a moral condemnation of war, the absence of provisions for sanctions or military intervention rendered it largely symbolic. Consequently, its inability to deter aggression underscored the challenges of maintaining peace in a world grappling with rising nationalism and economic instability.
