Antarctic Treaty Signed
December 1, 1959 · 20th Century
Twelve nations signed the Antarctic Treaty in Washington, D.C., designating Antarctica as a demilitarized zone reserved for peaceful scientific research. The agreement emerged from cooperation during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58, when signatory nations had established over 55 research stations on the continent. The treaty prohibited military bases, weapons testing including nuclear detonations, and radioactive waste disposal south of 60 degrees latitude. Entering into force on June 23, 1961, it set a precedent for international scientific cooperation in contested territories.
Locations
Washington, D.C.Antarctica
Topics
arms controldemilitarizationinternational treatyscientific cooperationCold War diplomacyAntarctic exploration
Connected Events — 4 Connections
The Antarctic Treaty's model of demilitarizing shared territory directly influenced the Outer Space Treaty Outer Space Treaty Signed
Sputnik's launch during the International Geophysical Year catalyzed the cooperative framework that produced the Antarctic Treaty Sputnik 1 Launched
McMurdo's establishment and IGY research helped build the international cooperation framework codified by the 1959 Antarctic Treaty Establishment of McMurdo Station
Early Antarctic expeditions established the precedent of international presence that led to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty Amundsen's Expedition Reaches the South Pole
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