Everyday or so, I will post a primary document. Your opportunity for extra credit is to type a response to some of the questions that are listed about it or summarize and analyze the document before the next class. All responses should be e-mailed to me.
Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928)
U.S. Government
Introduction
Aristide Briand, the French foreign minister, angered U.S. Secretary of State Frank Kellogg when Briand asked the American people directly whether they would sign a treaty with France to prevent future wars. Kellogg believed that Briand should have gone through the normal diplomatic channels. Furthermore, the secretary believed that accepting Briand’s offer would eventually draw the United States into another world war. Although its actions were not isolationist, the United States had an isolationist feeling during the 1920s.
Because the United States believed that the European alliance system had caused World War I, it was hesitant to sign any type of alliance treaty with another country. There were some groups, however, that thought cooperating with the French would bring the United States closer to joining the League of Nations, and Briand feared their public attacks if he failed to pursue the offer. Kellogg, adopting an idea from isolationist Senator William E. Borah, proposed a multilateral treaty that fifteen nations signed. Think about world events in the 1930s and 1940s as you answer the following questions.
Questions to Consider
- What did the Kellogg-Briand Pact outlaw?
- What did the pact propose in its place?
- Evaluate the effectiveness of this policy to solve world problems.
