Identify And Discuss Three Of Wilson's Fourteen Points

Identify And Discuss Three Of Wilsons Fourteen Points Were These Poi

Identify and discuss three of Wilson’s Fourteen Points. Were these points fair to all parties or willingly accepted? Your response should be at least 200 words in length. You are required to use at least your textbook as source material for your response. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations.

Paper For Above instruction

Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points, presented in 1918 during World War I, aimed to establish a just and lasting peace among nations. Among these, three notable points stand out: the proposal for open diplomacy, the reduction of armaments, and the establishment of a League of Nations. The first point, open diplomacy, sought to eliminate secret treaties and agreements, promoting transparency and reducing mistrust among nations. This principle was fundamentally fair, encouraging honesty in international relations, though its acceptance was mixed, especially by nations wary of exposing strategic alliances (Levack, Muir, & Veldman, 2011). The second point called for the reduction of national armaments to prevent future conflicts. The idea was equitable as it aimed to balance military strength and diminish the threat of war; however, some countries suspected it might leave them defenseless, leading to reservations and reluctance to fully accept this proposal (Levack et al., 2011). The third significant point involved the creation of the League of Nations, an international organization designed to settle disputes peacefully and prevent future conflicts. This was arguably the most ambitious and arguably fair, advocating collective security. Nonetheless, some countries, especially the United States, hesitated or refused involvement due to concerns over sovereignty and how effective the League might be (Kedourie, 2018). Overall, while Wilson’s points aimed for fairness and global cooperation, their acceptance varied based on national interests and geopolitical considerations, illustrating the complex balance between idealism and practical politics (Levack et al., 2011). The principles laid out in the Fourteen Points contributed significantly to postwar peace negotiations but faced resistance from nations prioritizing sovereignty and security concerns.

References

  • Levack, B., Muir, E., & Veldman, M. (2011). The West: Vol. 2. Encounters & transformations: Since. Pearson Education, Inc.
  • Kedourie, E. (2018). The League of Nations: Its History and Principles. Routledge.