What was the main purpose of the Washington Naval Agreement in February 1922?

The Washington Naval Agreement, signed in February 1922, aimed primarily to determine the size ratios of naval forces among the United States, Britain, France, and Japan. This agreement was a response to rising naval arms races after World War I, with countries expanding their naval capabilities significantly.

The primary focus of the agreement was to limit the construction of battleships and aircraft carriers, essentially capping naval expansion to prevent military conflicts. It established specific ratios for the tonnage of capital ships that each nation was permitted to build, with the United States and Britain holding the largest quotas, followed by Japan and smaller ratios for France and Italy.

This agreement represented an effort to foster peace through disarmament and stabilize international relations in the post-war era. It reflected a collective desire to avoid an arms race that could threaten global stability, highlighting the significance of naval power during that period.