Introduction

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The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, known as the GATT, is one third of the Bretton Woods system that was created after World War II to ensure a stable trade and economic world environment. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank are the other two bodies of the Bretton Woods system.  While often referred to as an international organization, the GATT had a "de facto" role as an international organization before the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO).   The WTO was established on January 1, 1995 by the Final Act of the Uruguay Round of negotiations.

Originally prepared by Ellen Schaffer. Completely revised and expanded by Marci Hoffman, International and Foreign Law Librarian, UC Berkeley Law Library. Revised August 2006.