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Woodrow Wilson S Fourteen Points Research Paper
Pages:3 (964 words)
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Subject:Other
Topic:Treaty Of Versailles
Document Type:Research Paper
Document:#63066564
speech in history, Woodrow Wilson gave his now famous Fourteen Points Speech on January 8, 1918. In this speech he outlined fourteen elements he felt were integral for a lasting peace. These elements were meant to establish ethical aims for America's participation in the arduous World War I. In writing the speech, Wilson hoped to encourage the end of hostilities between Central powers. "The Fourteen Points in the speech were based on the research of the "Inquiry," a team of about 150 advisers led by Colonel Edward M. House, Wilson's foreign policy advisor, into the topics likely to arise in the anticipated peace conference." (Newworldencyclopedia.org) While there was an initial failure on the plan, there was a notable impact from Wilson's actions.
Instead of peace talks, there was intensification of effort on Germany's part in the European western front. While this was alarming, after ten months, the world witnessed the German Army concede, appealing to Wilson and initiating a series of peace talks with the foundation consisting of the Fourteen Points. On November 11, 1918, they declared an armistice. As an observer at the time could see, the impact of Wilson's speech was evident, even though it took longer to affect outcomes than anticipated.
From Wilson's Fourteen Points or fourteen main areas, eight of these concerned particular geopolitical problems that could only see resolution after the war. The other six described the kind of general ideology necessary for peace. One of the most impactful points in Wilson's speech is the liberty of the seas, an end to secret negotiations and treaties, establishing free and equal trade, granting self-government to various peoples in the Balkans and Central Europe, arms reduction, the welcoming of a remade Soviet Russia into the global community, independence for Poland and Turkey, and building a forum of countries to guarantee peace and freedom for all. Seeing as this was a way to establish order and maintain liberty, Wilson made sure to provide the basis from which to build a lasting peace.
Going back to the entirety of Wilson's Fourteen Points, they were often interpreted as unique for several reasons. The main being the speech was unprecedented. This was the first time a major world leader declared such grand and loft goals and objectives meant to establish peace. Not only that, but these points were in a sense, a way to educate other world leaders on what could be achieved in regards to peace, freedom, and independence.
Secondly, the Fourteen Points were created from a foundation of righteousness and morality. (MacMillan) Wilson's points, unlike the others, were meant to guide people instead of simply aiming to gain the spoils of war or vengeance. This was shown by Wilson not wanting to punish the Central powers and Germany for their acts of aggression. And…
Sample Source(s) Used
Works Cited
Auchincloss, Louis. Woodrow Wilson. New York: Viking, 2000. Print.
MacMillan, Margaret. Paris 1919. New York: Random House, 2002. Print.
Newworldencyclopedia.org,. "Fourteen Points - New World Encyclopedia." N.p., 2016. Web. 25 Feb. 2016.
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