Peace on the Lakes

The Rush Bagot Agreement is the oldest arms limitation agreement in the world. It originated in the aftermath of the War of 1812 when both Great Britain and the United States feared a descent into a naval arms race on the Great Lakes of North America. Two hundred years later the Rush-Bagot Agreement is still in force having survived the impacts of rebellions, insurgencies, and wars both civil and foreign. Today, the Rush-Bagot Agreement symbolizes the continuing intentions of both Canada and the United States to maintain their peaceful coexistence on the great inland seas that separate them. This is the story of how years of naval challenge and open warfare led to peace among three great nations.