Meaning: This quote by Frank Kellogg, a prominent American politician and diplomat, highlights the futility and danger of nations engaging in an arms race. Kellogg's words emphasize the historical reality that nations often do not merely build armaments for the sake of deterrence, but rather to wield them in conflict. The essence of Kellogg's message is a cautionary reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when nations engage in a competition to amass military power.

Kellogg's statement is particularly significant when viewed in the context of the historical period in which it was made. Frank B. Kellogg served as the U.S. Secretary of State from 1925 to 1929, a time marked by the aftermath of World War I and the growing tensions that would eventually lead to World War II. It was during this era that the world witnessed the devastating impact of nations vying to build and wield extensive armaments. The quote reflects the lessons learned from the horrors of the First World War and the subsequent rise of militarism and aggression in the interwar years.

Kellogg's reference to "the last war" alludes to the First World War, a conflict that saw the unprecedented and catastrophic use of modern military technology and weaponry. The war resulted in millions of casualties and widespread destruction, leaving a profound imprint on the collective consciousness of the global community. The experience of World War I provided a stark and tragic illustration of the consequences of nations engaging in an arms race, as the destructive power of advanced armaments was unleashed on an unprecedented scale.

The phrase "appalling effect of nations competing in great armaments" captures the destructive and destabilizing impact of militaristic competition among nations. Kellogg's choice of words conveys the sense of horror and dismay that arises from witnessing the consequences of such competition. The use of "appalling" reflects the profound and distressing nature of the outcomes, while "competing in great armaments" underscores the competitive and escalatory nature of the arms race, where nations strive to surpass one another in military capabilities.

Kellogg's assertion that "it is idle to say that nations can struggle to outdo each other in building armaments and never use them" challenges the notion that the mere act of amassing armaments does not inherently lead to their use. His argument directly confronts the dangerous assumption that building up military power without restraint will not result in its eventual deployment. By dismissing this notion as "idle," Kellogg forcefully asserts the historical evidence that contradicts such a belief, emphasizing that the trajectory of nations' armament buildups often leads to the utilization of such military might in conflict.

In summary, Frank Kellogg's quote serves as a poignant and cautionary reflection on the perils of nations engaging in an arms race. It draws from the sobering lessons of history and underscores the destructive impact of militaristic competition. Kellogg's words remain relevant as a reminder of the dangers inherent in unchecked military buildup and the imperative of pursuing avenues for international peace and cooperation.