In this January 8, 1918, address to Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proposed a 14-point program for world peace. These points were later used as a basis for negotiations at the Treaty of Versailles, which aimed to bring an end to World War I and establish lasting peace in Europe. Wilson's principles included ideas such as open diplomacy, freedom of the seas, and the creation of an international organization to prevent future conflicts.
After World War I, America was supposed to lead the fight against colonialism. What happened? The Treaty of Versailles, which was signed in 1919, did not fully reflect President Wilson's principles. Many of the Allied powers, including France and Britain, had their own agendas and priorities that differed from Wilson's vision of a just and peaceful world order. As a result, the treaty imposed harsh penalties on Germany, leading to resentment and economic instability that would later contribute to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II.
Discover how WWI transformed America through the stories of those whose participation in the war to “make the world safe for democracy” has been largely forgotten. The United States entered World War I in 1917, not only to protect its own interests but also to promote democracy and self-determination around the world. Thousands of Americans fought and died in the trenches of Europe, believing that they were fighting for a noble cause. However, the harsh realities of war and the failure of the Treaty of Versailles to address the root causes of conflict left many disillusioned and questioning the true impact of their sacrifices.
Chair: Evan D. McCormick. Contributors: Andrew S. Natsios, Gail E.S. Yoshitani, Jayita Sarkar, Brian K. Muzas. These experts provide insight into the lasting legacy of the Treaty of Versailles and its impact on international relations in the 20th century. They discuss how the failure of the treaty to address key issues such as self-determination, colonialism, and disarmament set the stage for future conflicts and shaped the world we live in today.
As World War I erupts in Europe, President Woodrow Wilson formally proclaims the neutrality of the United States, a position that a vast majority of Americans initially supported. However, as the war dragged on and the atrocities committed by both sides became known, public opinion began to shift towards intervention. Wilson's principles of peace and democracy resonated with many Americans, who saw the war as an opportunity to spread these values to the rest of the world.
All through America's active involvement in World War I — from the war declaration in April 1917 to the armistice in November 1918 — Woodrow Wilson's principles guided the nation's foreign policy decisions. His vision of a world based on democracy, self-determination, and collective security inspired generations of Americans to believe in the power of diplomacy and cooperation to prevent future conflicts. However, the harsh realities of war and the failure of the Treaty of Versailles to live up to these ideals would shape the course of history for years to come.
The traditional scholarly opinion on the modern history of international relations suggests that the Great War constituted a radical turning point in global politics. The Treaty of Versailles, despite its flaws, laid the foundation for a new world order based on the principles of collective security, disarmament, and self-determination. While the treaty's shortcomings would later contribute to the outbreak of World War II, its ideals inspired future generations to strive for a more just and peaceful world.
