Kellogg–Briand Pact

Quick Facts: Who was Kellogg–Briand Pact?

Subject:

Kellogg–Briand Pact

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A 1928 international treaty renouncing war as a tool for resolving disputes.

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Origins & Early Life

The Kellogg–Briand Pact or Pact of Paris (officially the General Treaty for Renunciation of War as an Instrument of National Policy) is a 1928 international agreement on peace in which signatory states promised not to use war to resolve "disputes or conflicts of whatever nature or of whatever origin they may be, which may arise among them". The pact was signed by Germany, France, and the United States on 27 August 1928, and by most other states soon after. Sponsored by France and the US, the Pact is named after its authors, United States Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg and French foreign minister Aristide Briand. The pact was concluded outside the League of Nations and remains in effect. A common criticism is that the Kellogg–Briand Pact did not live up to all of its aims but has arguably had some success.

Career & Major Achievements

It was unable to prevent the Second World War but was the basis for trials and execution of German wartime leaders in 1946. Furthermore, declared wars became very rare after 1945. It has been ridiculed for its moralism, legalism, and lack of influence on foreign policy. The pact had no mechanism for enforcement, and many historians and political scientists see it as mostly irrelevant and ineffective. Nevertheless, the pact served as the legal basis for the concept of a crime against peace, for which the Nuremberg Tribunal and Tokyo Tribunal tried and executed the top leaders condemned for starting World War II.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Similar provisions to those in the Kellogg–Briand Pact were later incorporated into the Charter of the United Nations and other treaties, which gave rise to a more activist American foreign policy which began with the signing of the pact. The main text is very short: Article I The High Contracting Parties solemnly declare in the names of their respective peoples that they condemn recourse to war for the solution of international controversies and renounce it as an instrument of national policy in their relations with one another. Article II The High Contracting Parties agree that the settlement or solution of all disputes or conflicts of whatever nature or of whatever origin they may be, which may arise among them, shall never be sought except by pacific means. The plan was devised by American lawyers Salmon Levinson and James T. Shotwell, and promoted by Senator William E. Borah. Borah and U.S. diplomat William Richards Castle Jr., Assistant Secretary of State, played key roles after Kellogg and Briand agreed on a two party treaty between the U.S. and France.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1928: 1928 Milestone — The Kellogg–Briand Pact or Pact of Paris (officially the General Treaty for Renunciation of War as an Instrument of National Policy) is a 1928 international agreement on peace in which signatory states promised not to use war to resolve "disputes or conflicts of whatever nature or of whatever origin they may be, which may arise among them".
2. 1945: 1945 Milestone — Furthermore, declared wars became very rare after 1945.
3. 1946: 1946 Milestone — It was unable to prevent the Second World War but was the basis for trials and execution of German wartime leaders in 1946.

Notable Quotes by Kellogg–Briand Pact

“a worthless piece of paper”

“vacuous”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kellogg–Briand Pact

True or False: “The Kellogg–Briand Pact successfully prevented the outbreak of World War II.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it was unable to prevent WWII, its provisions were later incorporated into the UN Charter and served as a legal basis for subsequent international justice mechanisms.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam West — Historical peer (Born in 1928) (1928): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.
• Adrian Frutiger — Historical peer (Born in 1928) (1928): Pioneering Swiss typeface designer, master of sans-serif aesthetics.
• Adam Michnik — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• Ahmad Zahir — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Iconic Afghan singer, songwriter, and composer, dubbed the "Elvis of Afghanistan".
• Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi — Historical peer (Born in 1945) (1945): Yemeni politician who served as the second President of Yemen from 2012 to 2022.
• Adolf Hitler — Historical peer (Died in 1945) (1945): Austrian-born German politician who became dictator of Germany during the Nazi era.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kellogg–Briand Pact