How Do You Spell WASHINGTON NAVAL TREATY?

Pronunciation: [wˈɒʃɪŋtən nˈe͡ɪvə͡l tɹˈiːti] (IPA)

The spelling of "Washington Naval Treaty" appears straightforward, but the phonetic transcription reveals some intricacies. "Washington" is pronounced /wɒʃɪŋtən/ with stress on the second syllable, while "Naval" is pronounced /ˈneɪvəl/ with stress on the first syllable. "Treaty" is pronounced /ˈtriːti/ with stress on the first syllable and a long "ee" sound. Overall, the phonetic transcription showcases the importance of accurately pronouncing each syllable in multi-word terms like this one.

WASHINGTON NAVAL TREATY Meaning and Definition

1. The Washington Naval Treaty refers to an international agreement signed in 1922 among the major world powers of the time, which aimed to regulate naval armaments and reduce the escalating naval arms race that followed World War I. The treaty was negotiated in Washington, D.C., and involved the United States, Britain, Japan, France, and Italy as the main signatories.

   The treaty imposed limitations on the construction and tonnage of battleships, battlecruisers, and aircraft carriers, with the intention of maintaining the naval balance of power and preventing an arms race. It established specific quote systems for each country, mandating a specific ratio of warship tonnage between the United States and Britain, with Japan having a lower quote. The agreement also banned the development or acquisition of new fortifications or naval bases in the Pacific region.

   The Washington Naval Treaty played a significant role in defusing tensions between the major powers of the time and was an important milestone in the disarmament movement of the 1920s. It not only restricted the production of large warships but also encouraged diplomatic negotiations instead of military escalation in resolving disputes. However, it had limitations and ultimately failed to prevent Japan from strengthening its naval power in the years leading up to World War II. Nonetheless, it is recognized as an influential treaty that aimed to achieve international stability and prevent an arms race in the aftermath of World War I.