Exam 11: Learning and Preparing: The 1920s and 1930s

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The Washington Naval Conference of 1922 was convened in response to the growing naval arms race among the major world powers, particularly the United States, Great Britain, and Japan. The conference aimed to address the escalating tensions and potential for conflict arising from the competition to build larger and more powerful naval fleets.

The primary reasons for the conference were to prevent an arms race that could lead to war, to reduce the size and capabilities of naval fleets, and to establish a framework for international cooperation and diplomacy in naval matters.

The meeting produced several key agreements, including the Five-Power Treaty, which limited the total tonnage of battleships and aircraft carriers for the United States, Great Britain, Japan, France, and Italy. The Four-Power Treaty established a framework for cooperation and consultation between the United States, Great Britain, Japan, and France in the Pacific. Additionally, the Nine-Power Treaty reaffirmed the Open Door Policy in China and committed the signatories to respect China's territorial integrity and independence.

These agreements had a significant impact on naval development in the interwar years. By limiting the size and capabilities of naval fleets, the treaties effectively slowed the arms race and reduced the potential for conflict among the major powers. The agreements also set a precedent for international cooperation and diplomacy in naval matters, laying the groundwork for future arms control and disarmament efforts.

Overall, the Washington Naval Conference of 1922 played a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the interwar period by addressing the growing naval arms race and establishing a framework for international cooperation in naval matters.

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The concept of a revolution in military affairs (RMA) as a sweeping set of doctrinal changes that give one contender an advantage over their opponents, while also leading to the opponents' adoption of some elements of the reforms themselves, can be applied to the United States military in the interwar years. During this time, the U.S. military underwent significant changes in doctrine, organization, and technology that ultimately gave them a strategic advantage in future conflicts.

One of the key elements of an RMA is the adoption of new technologies and tactics that fundamentally change the way warfare is conducted. In the interwar years, the United States military embraced new technologies such as aircraft carriers, long-range bombers, and mechanized warfare. These advancements allowed the U.S. military to project power over greater distances and with greater precision, giving them a significant advantage over potential adversaries.

Additionally, the interwar years saw a shift in military doctrine towards a more combined arms approach, integrating infantry, armor, artillery, and air power to create a more effective and versatile fighting force. This doctrinal shift allowed the U.S. military to adapt to the changing nature of warfare and outmaneuver their opponents on the battlefield.

Furthermore, the United States' experience in World War I and the subsequent interwar period led to a reevaluation of military strategy and the development of new concepts such as air-land battle and amphibious warfare. These new strategic concepts further enhanced the U.S. military's ability to project power and achieve victory in future conflicts.

Overall, the changes in doctrine, organization, and technology that occurred in the interwar years can be seen as a revolution in military affairs for the United States. These sweeping changes gave the U.S. military a significant advantage over their opponents and ultimately led to the adoption of some elements of the reforms by other nations. Therefore, it can be argued that the United States military did undergo an RMA in the interwar years.