Fourteen Points (WWI) Facts & Worksheets

The Fourteen Points were a set of principles outlined by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in a speech to the U.S. Congress on January 8, 1918. The speech set out the American vision for a just and lasting peace after World War I. The points were intended to address the underlying causes of the war and to establish a framework for a stable and lasting international order.

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Key Facts & Information

EVENTS THAT LED TO THE FOURTEEN POINTS

• Several events and factors contributed to the formulation of the Fourteen Points:
• World War I (1914-1918): The destructive and devastating nature of World War I prompted world leaders to seek a lasting and just peace. By 1917, the war had reached a stalemate, and there was a growing desire among the belligerent nations for a settlement.
• Russian Revolution (1917): The Russian Revolution led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the rise of the Bolsheviks. The new Soviet government, led by Vladimir Lenin, withdrew Russia from the war. 
• This incident created a situation where the Central Powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary) could focus more resources on the Western Front.
• Entry of the United States into the War: The United States initially pursued a policy of neutrality, but unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany, especially the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915 and the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram in 1917, led to the U.S. declaring war on Germany in April 1917. President Wilson sought “a war to end all wars” and a peace without victors.
• Idealistic Vision of Woodrow Wilson: President Woodrow Wilson, often called “the schoolmaster in the White House” because of his career in education, was known for his idealistic approach to foreign policy. He believed in the principles of democracy, self-determination, and free trade.
• His vision for peace was rooted in the idea that addressing the underlying causes of conflict could prevent future wars.
• Preventing Future Wars: Wilson aimed to create a framework for international relations that would prevent future conflicts.
• He wanted to replace the traditional balance of power politics with a system based on open diplomacy, free trade, disarmament, and the right of nations to self-determination.
• Consultation and Diplomacy: Wilson emphasized the importance of diplomacy and consultation between nations to address grievances and disputes. Open covenants openly arrived at, and mutual agreements were essential principles in his vision.
• League of Nations: Perhaps the most significant of the Fourteen Points was the proposal for a League of Nations, an international organization aimed at maintaining peace and preventing future conflicts. Wilson saw the League as a mechanism for collective security and cooperation among nations.
• The Fourteen Points presented were a basis for the peace negotiations that eventually led to the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. 
• While the Fourteen Points did influence the shaping of the postwar order, the final treaty was more punitive towards Germany, leading to some criticism of the perceived gap between Wilson’s ideals and the actual terms of the settlement. 

KEY POINTS IN THE FOURTEEN POINTS

• Open Diplomacy: Wilson emphasized the importance of transparent and open communication between nations. This approach meant countries should openly discuss their issues and work towards resolutions instead of resorting to secret agreements that might lead to misunderstandings.
• Freedom of the Seas: Wilson advocated for the freedom of the seas, ensuring that all nations could navigate the oceans without fear of interference. 
• This would facilitate international trade and peaceful relations among countries.
• Free Trade: The idea of free trade was crucial in Wilson’s vision. He believed that when nations engage in trade without unnecessary restrictions, it fosters economic interdependence and reduces the likelihood of conflict.
• Reduction of Armaments: Wilson proposed a reduction in military weapons and forces. By limiting the size of armies and navies, he hoped to decrease the likelihood of nations resorting to war as a means of settling disputes.
• Self-Determination: This principle stressed the importance of allowing people in different regions to decide their own political future. 
• Wilson believed that the diverse groups of people in Europe should have the right to govern themselves, leading to the formation of independent nations.
• Fair Adjustment of Colonial Claims: Wilson called for a fair and impartial adjustment of all colonial claims, taking into consideration the interests of the colonial populations.
• Territorial Integrity: Wilson emphasized the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of nations. He sought to prevent the dismemberment of countries and the redrawing of borders without the consent of the affected populations. This principle aimed to establish a stable and just post-war order.
• Fair Treatment of Russia: Recognizing the impact of the Russian Revolution just treatment of the Russian people in the international arena. 
• He sought to ensure that Russia would be included in post-war discussions and not face undue punishment.
• Just and Lasting Peace: The overarching theme of the Fourteen Points was the quest for a just and lasting peace. Wilson aimed to address the root causes of conflict and establish a framework for international relations that would prevent the recurrence of devastating wars like World War I.
• To summarize, the Fourteen Points consist of:
  • Open Diplomacy
  • Freedom of the Seas
  • Removal of Economic Barriers
  • Reduction of Armaments
  • Adjustment of Colonial Claims
  • National Self-Determination
  • Territorial Integrity
  • Fair Treatment of Russia
  • League of Nations
  • Reparation for War Damage – Wilson suggested that reparations for war damage should be fair
  • and not create economic hardships for the defeated nations.
  • Recognition of the Interests of Small Nations
  • Economic Cooperation
  • Dismantling of Imperialistic Agendas – Wilson expressed a desire for the abolition of imperialistic agendas, seeking to address the root causes of conflict related to imperial ambitions.
  • Association of Nations (League of Nations)

IMPACT AND LEGACY

Influence on Post-War Treaties:

• Although the Treaty of Versailles did not fully reflect the Fourteen Points, some of its principles did find their way into the peace treaties with Central Powers. 
• The principle of open diplomacy, for example, influenced the negotiation process, and certain territorial adjustments aimed to align with the idea of national self-determination.

Reshaping International Relations:

• Wilson’s vision for a world based on open diplomacy and cooperation significantly influenced the post-war diplomatic landscape. 
• The League of Nations, despite its limitations and eventual shortcomings, represented an early attempt at creating an international forum for dispute resolution and collaboration among nations.

Discontent and Dissatisfaction:

• The Treaty of Versailles, which concluded the war, was criticized for being more punitive than Wilson’s idealistic vision. 
• The harsh terms imposed on Germany contributed to economic hardships and political instability, laying the groundwork for future conflicts, including World War II.

Impact on Post-War Borders:

• The call for fair and impartial adjustment of colonial claims and respect for territorial integrity influenced the redrawing of borders in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. 
• However, the actual implementation of these principles was complicated by geopolitical realities and the interests of the Allied powers.

Inspiration for Later International Organizations:

• The League of Nations, despite its shortcomings, laid the groundwork for later international organizations, including the United Nations. 
• The Fourteen Points inspired discussions on creating mechanisms for global cooperation and conflict resolution that continue to shape the world today.

Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Fourteen Points (WWI) across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Fourteen Points (WWI). The Fourteen Points were a set of principles outlined by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in a speech to the U.S. Congress on January 8, 1918.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Fourteen point (WWI) Facts
2. Quick Review
3. Warring Causes
4. The Schoolmaster
5. Safe for Democracy
6. Open Diplomacy
7. Freedom of the Seas
8. Free Trade
9. The Power of Arms
10. Self Determination
11. Making it Right

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points?

The purpose of the Fourteen Points was to provide a framework for a just and lasting peace after World War I. Wilson aimed to address the underlying causes of the conflict and establish a foundation for a new world order that would prevent future wars.

What were some key principles outlined in the Fourteen Points?

The Fourteen Points included principles such as open diplomacy, freedom of the seas, free trade, self-determination for nations, and the establishment of a League of Nations to promote collective security and prevent future conflicts.

How did the Fourteen Points influence the Treaty of Versailles?

The Fourteen Points had a significant impact on the Treaty of Versailles, which was the peace settlement that officially ended World War I. While not all of Wilson’s points were incorporated into the treaty, some, like the League of Nations, were included. However, the punitive nature of some treaty terms, particularly those affecting Germany, contributed to later geopolitical tensions.

What was the League of Nations, and how did it relate to the Fourteen Points?

The League of Nations was an international organization proposed by Woodrow Wilson in the Fourteen Points. It was intended to be a forum for nations to discuss and resolve conflicts peacefully, promoting collective security. Although the League was established, the United States ultimately did not join, and the League’s effectiveness was limited.

How did the Fourteen Points impact the post-war geopolitical landscape?

The Fourteen Points influenced the post-war geopolitical landscape by promoting principles of self-determination, open diplomacy, and the establishment of international institutions. However, the implementation of these ideas faced challenges, contributing to subsequent geopolitical tensions and, eventually, the outbreak of World War II. The Fourteen Points left a lasting legacy in the development of international relations and diplomacy.

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