1. Kellogg-Briand Pact:
- The United States played a central role in negotiating the Kellogg-Briand Pact, formally known as the General Treaty for the Renunciation of War, which was signed in 1928.
- The pact, initiated by US Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg and French Foreign Minister Aristide Briand, aimed to outlaw war as a means of settling disputes between nations.
- The treaty was signed by 62 countries, including major world powers, and marked a significant step toward promoting peaceful resolution of international conflicts.
2. Washington Naval Conference and Naval Treaties:
- In the early 1920s, the US hosted the Washington Naval Conference to address the growing naval arms race among major powers.
- The conference resulted in several treaties, including the Five-Power Treaty and the Four-Power Treaty, which limited the size and construction of battleships and aimed to prevent naval wars.
- The agreements helped to reduce tensions and establish stability in the Pacific region.
3. Dawes Plan and Young Plan:
- The US played a crucial role in designing the Dawes Plan and the Young Plan, which addressed the issue of German reparations following World War I.
- These plans aimed to restructure Germany's debt payments, alleviate its economic burdens, and promote economic recovery in Europe.
- By providing financial assistance and expertise, the US contributed to restoring economic stability and preventing further financial crises that could have impacted world peace.
4. League of Nations Participation and World Court:
- Although the United States did not join the League of Nations, an international organization formed after World War I to promote peace and cooperation, it did participate in the League's work as an "unofficial observer."
- The US actively engaged with the League's various committees and organizations, such as the International Labor Organization and the Permanent Court of International Justice (World Court).
- US participation showcased its commitment to international cooperation and dispute resolution based on international law.
5. Peace Treaties and Bilateral Agreements:
- Throughout the 1920s, the US negotiated numerous peace treaties and bilateral agreements with other countries, aiming to resolve specific disputes and promote peaceful relations.
- Notable examples include the Bryan-Chamorro Treaty with Nicaragua (1916), the Hughes-Peyrouton Treaty with Haiti (1915), and the Kellogg-Alfaro Treaty with Ecuador (1924).
6. Humanitarian Efforts and Disaster Relief:
- The US provided significant humanitarian assistance and relief during the 1920s, particularly in response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises around the world.
- For example, the US offered aid after the Great Kanto Earthquake in Japan (1923) and made contributions to the League of Nations' efforts to address social and economic issues in war-torn areas.
Overall, through diplomatic initiatives, treaties, and humanitarian efforts, the United States actively supported world peace during the 1920s, contributing to a period of relative stability and international cooperation after the devastation of World War I.