Peace in Their Time

Peace in Their Time examines the creation and context of the Kellogg-Briand Pact, a 1928 international treaty that aimed to outlaw war as an instrument of national policy. The book traces the political and diplomatic developments in the decade following World War I that culminated in this ambitious agreement. Robert H. Ferrell's research draws extensively from primary sources, including previously unpublished diaries of William Castle, who served as assistant secretary of state under President Calvin Coolidge. The narrative reconstructs the complex negotiations and cultural forces that shaped this landmark attempt at ensuring world peace. Based on Ferrell's award-winning doctoral dissertation, the book represents exhaustive archival research across multiple collections and institutions. The work earned significant recognition, including the American Historical Association's George Louis Beer Prize for outstanding historical writing in 1952. The book offers insights into how nations attempted to prevent future conflicts through diplomatic means in the interwar period, while examining the relationship between idealistic aspirations and practical limitations in international relations.

Readers value Peace in Their Time as a detailed examination of American diplomacy in the 1920s. Multiple reviews note Ferrell's thorough research and clear writing style. Readers appreciated: - In-depth analysis of the Kellogg-Briand Pact - Use of primary sources - Clear explanations of complex diplomatic relationships Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Limited coverage of non-American perspectives - Some passages become overly technical Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: Not enough reviews for rating A history professor on Goodreads wrote: "This remains one of the most comprehensive accounts of 1920s American foreign policy." A graduate student noted: "The archival research is impressive but the prose can be dry." Note: This book is primarily used in academic settings, resulting in fewer public reviews compared to mainstream history books.

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⚡ The Kellogg-Briand Pact was initially proposed by French Foreign Minister Aristide Briand and eventually included 63 nations as signatories 🎓 Author Robert H. Ferrell served as a professor at Indiana University for over 40 years and authored more than 60 books on diplomatic and presidential history 📜 Despite being considered largely ineffective today, the Kellogg-Briand Pact's principles influenced the United Nations Charter and modern international law 🌍 The pact represented the first time in history that nations formally agreed to renounce war as an instrument of national policy 📚 The book draws from eight different archival collections, including the personal papers of Calvin Coolidge and Frank B. Kellogg, offering unprecedented insight into the diplomatic process