The fourteen points

The fourteen points

Unlike other European Nations, the United States entered into World War I  reluctantly and not for territory or revenge for the past wars. President Woodrow Wilson, however, wanted to end the war and bring peace all over the world, thus set a plan of peace. Together with his advisors, they came up with the Fourteen Points as an outline of the key elements that could restore peace hence end the War. He hoped that his speech would soften the Central Powers and end the War. The plan was not effective as the German Army intensified its attack on Western Europe. However, in ten months, the German Army appealed to Wilson’s quest after conceding and began a series of talks based on the Fourteen Points. The paper explains Wilson’s vision for the postwar world through the Fourteen Points.

The Fourteen Points explained the specific goals that Woodrow wanted to achieve. The most significant point was to end the secret ties between countries by opening up diplomacy to the whole world.  He initiated freedom of navigations of the seas internationally as well as trade between nations. Also, he pleaded for weapon and army reduction in all countries to be a sign end of War. Besides, he asked for fair territorial claims in the regions insisting the German troops to leave Russia and Belgium and the countries will be independent. Moreover, Wilson also suggested that France, Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Poland be independent countries, and their territories be established. Also, the Central power shall leave Serbia, Montenegro, and Romania and let them be independent. Lastly, he asked for the formation of a League of Nations to protect all countries’ independence regardless of their size.

Wilson played a significant in bringing peace among the nations, thus ending World War I. The Fourteen Points outlined exactly what he was fighting for, and he achieved it.