Woodrow Wilson's Views

What were Woodrow Wilson's views on the peace settlement?

Woodrow Wilson was an idealist and wanted a peace settlement where everyone was treated fairly. Wilson did not see the need for revenge.

What were Woodrow Wilson's aims for the peace settlement?

Wilson had 5 key aims including:

• ❖ His views were idealistic and he wanted empires disbanded as he believed all countries should have the right to govern themselves, and decide their own future. This was the idea of self-determination.
• ❖ He wanted to ensure Germany was not destroyed or blamed for the outbreak of the First World War.
• ❖ He believed everyone should be able to sail trading ships wherever they wanted to. This was the idea of the 'freedom of the seas'.
• ❖ He wanted to establish a world parliament where countries come together and discuss their problems, instead of going to war - this was the basis of the League of Nations.
• ❖ He wanted to create a better world after the First World War and prevent future wars. His ideas for this are known as the 14 Points.

How did the war affect Woodrow Wilson's views on the peace settlement?

The First World War affected Wilson's views on the peace process in the following ways:

• ❖ He represented the USA, which had had a different experience of the war to the other countries involved.
• ❖ The USA joined in 1917, suffered no territorial damage and had fewer casualties.
• ❖ America also benefitted economically from the conflict, therefore had less of a desire for revenge.

What did Woodrow Wilson and the other Big Three leaders agree on in relation to the peace settlement?

Wilson's views on the peace settlement were mostly in line with those of the British leader Lloyd George. Both men agreed that a harsh settlement on Germany would have long term consequences for future world peace and stability.

What did Woodrow Wilson and the other Big Three leaders disagree on in relation to the peace settlement?

Woodrow Wilson disagreed with both David Lloyd George and Georges Clemenceau on a number of points including:

• ❖ Wilson believed in the 'freedom of the seas'. However, David Lloyd George believed in the naval supremacy of Britain.
• ❖ Wilson believed in the idea of 'self-determination'. However, David Lloyd George saw the peace settlement as an opportunity to strengthen the British Empire.
• ❖ Wilson had a vision for post-war peace based on international cooperation and each nation working together. However, Clemenceau was guided by the idea of taking revenge for the damage done to France by Germany.