Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons?

Subject:

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Known for:

International treaty preventing nuclear spread and promoting peaceful energy use.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty or NPT, is an international treaty, the objective of which is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. Between 1965 and 1968, the treaty was negotiated by the Eighteen Nation Committee on Disarmament, a United Nations-sponsored organization based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Career & Major Achievements

Opened for signature in 1968, the treaty entered into force in 1970. As required by the text, after twenty-five years, NPT parties met in May 1995 and agreed to extend the treaty indefinitely.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The treaty defines nuclear-weapon states as those that have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before 1967; these are the United States (1945), Russia (1949), the United Kingdom (1952), France (1960), and China (1964). As of August 2016, 191 states have become parties to the treaty.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1965: 1965 Milestone — Between 1965 and 1968, the treaty was negotiated by the Eighteen Nation Committee on Disarmament, a United Nations-sponsored organization based in Geneva, Switzerland.
2. 1967: 1967 Milestone — The treaty defines nuclear-weapon states as those that have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before 1967; these are the United States (1945), Russia (1949), the United Kingdom (1952), France (1960), and China (1964).
3. 1968: 1968 Milestone — Opened for signature in 1968, the treaty entered into force in 1970.
4. 1995: 1995 Milestone — As required by the text, after twenty-five years, NPT parties met in May 1995 and agreed to extend the treaty indefinitely.
5. 2016: 2016 Milestone — As of August 2016, 191 states have become parties to the treaty.

Notable Quotes by Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

“The treaty defines nuclear-weapon states as those that have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before 1967.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

True or False: “The NPT defines nuclear-weapon states as those that have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before 1967.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): This definition is central to the treaty's structure, distinguishing the five recognized nuclear-weapon states (US, Russia, UK, France, China) from non-nuclear-weapon states.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aamir Khan — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Indian actor and filmmaker, known as "Mr. Perfectionist" in Hindi cinema.
• Aaron Kwok — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Hong Kong performer, celebrated singer, dancer, and actor.
• Abrar-ul-Haq — Historical peer (Born in 1968) (1968): Esteemed Pakistani singer, philanthropist, and former politician from Punjab.
• Adam McKay — Historical peer (Born in 1968) (1968): Acclaimed American filmmaker known for satirical comedies and high-profile adaptations.
• A. H. M. Jones — Historical peer (Died in 1970) (1970): Pioneering British historian of classical antiquity, specializing in the later Roman Empire.
• Abraham Maslow — Historical peer (Died in 1970) (1970): Pioneering American psychologist known for the Hierarchy of Needs and self-actualization theory.
• Adolf Butenandt — Historical peer (Died in 1995) (1995): Pioneering German biochemist known for sex hormones and pheromone discovery.
• Adolfo Pedernera — Historical peer (Died in 1995) (1995): Argentine football legend, nicknamed 'El Maestro,' pivotal in the 1940s.
• Akshay Kumar — Historical peer (Born in 1967) (1967): Veteran Indian actor and producer, celebrated for action roles and prolific career.
• Albert Luthuli — Historical peer (Died in 1967) (1967): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons