Wilson's 14 Points

What were the 14 Points?

The 14 Points was the name given to a statement of principles formulated by President Woodrow Wilson, which set out his vision for a stable and long-lasting peace around the world after the First World War.

When did Woodrow Wilson outline his ideas for the 14 Points?

Wilson outlined his vision for postwar peace in the 14 Points speech, delivered before a joint meeting of Congress on 8th January, 1918.

What ideas for peace did Woodrow Wilson set out in the 14 Points?

Woodrow Wilson's ideas included:

• ❖ He believed all national groups should have their own independent countries and government. This was called self-determination.
• ❖ He thought the war had been caused by the build-up of weapons and therefore called for disarmament - for all countries to get rid of their weapons.
• ❖ He believed in open negotiations instead of secret treaties and wanted to form a global organisation where countries work together to maintain peace. This idea led to the formation of the League of Nations.
• ❖ He wanted independence to be given to Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, an independent Polish state to be created with access to the sea, and for Alsace-Lorraine to be returned to France.
• ❖ He wanted to end trade barriers and tariffs, promote open markets and economic cooperation, and prevent competition between nations.

Why did Woodrow Wilson believe in the 14 Points?

There were several reasons Wilson believe in his 14 Points including:

• ❖ The devastation of the First World War had demonstrated to Wilson the unavoidable relationship between international stability and the security of the USA.
• ❖ He was an idealist and believed the world 'must be made fit and safe to live in' for all.
• ❖ He believed every nation had the right to choose its own path, as the USA had.

What was the impact of the ideas in the 14 Points?

The impact of Wilson's 14 points included:

• ❖ Wilson failed to achieve his 14 points - the peace settlement was not based on the principles of his ideas.
• ❖ The US congress did not approve his ideas of a post-war peace.
• ❖ In the long term, the peace settlement did not prevent future wars - the Second World War started 20 years later.
• ❖ However, one of Wilson's key ideas, the League of Nations, was formed with a vision for bringing the world together in peace.