Wilson's Fourteen Points

1. In your own words describe the first five and the fourteenth of Wilson 's Fourteen Points. Within Wilson’s Fourteen Points, the first five were set to regulate bilateral relations between countries. These are based on the factors that led to World War I and include things such as the restrictions on armaments and secret dealings and agreements between nations, freedom of the seas, and no preventive barriers for international trading. The fourteenth point set up an international organization dedicated to maintaining global peace, called the League of Nations.

2. List and describe two ways in which Wilson 's optimism contributed to the Versailles Peace talks. At the peace conference in Paris, Wilson was optimistic that he would be able

Wilson was very stubborn and lacked tolerance for any opposition. During a debate regarding veteran’s pensions, Wilson had an outburst against the logic of someone who opposed his ideas. This detracted from the Versailles peace talks because Wilson would not allow for any negotiation against his perspective. Also, Wilson only chose Democrats to accompany him during the peace talks, despite Congress consisting of mostly Republicans. This caused Wilson to gain confirmation during the talks, however it detracted from future governmental actions regarding the decisions during the talks. Consequently, the Republican Senate would oppose Wilson’s Democratic views while passing an agreement on the Versailles peace talks.

4. In your own words describe two disadvantages facing Wilson at the meeting. Wilson’s influence at the meeting was at a disadvantage due to insignificant losses of the United States compared to those of other nations. Nations, like France, suffered losses due to the war being fought on their land, so they sought more vindictive enforcement. France specifically wanted to weaken Germany out of retribution and to prevent future attacks. Also, Wilson had compromise with other nations in order to pass his ideas. He mainly wanted to create the League of Nations, but he had to negotiate with the focuses of self-determination and German war guilt.

5. List and describe two reasons that the United States Congress refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. What was the

Some members of Congress opposed United States membership in the League of Nations due to a desire for an isolationist foreign policy. Isolationism opposes the League of Nations, as it is an organization to maintain global peace through international relations. Other Congress members argued against the fact that the League of Nations required members to come to the aid of other nations who were threatened. They argued such an agreement would weaken the sovereignty of the United States, as it committed it to intervention by other nations.

6. To what extent does the United States continue to support the ideas of progressivism following the war? Explain using a quote from the reading. After World War I, the United States still showed evidence of supporting progressive ideas. This was evident through the Rockefeller Foundation donating $500,000 to the League of Nation’s health service. Also, United States’ involvement in Latin America proved to support progressive ideas. The Kemmerer Plans were implemented which sought to stabilize the economies of other nations. The reading states, “local populations would also benefit from a stronger economy through rising living standards and greater economic security.” Truly, the plan sought the betterment of other people through economic means.

7. To what extent did the United States return to isolation/ normalcy following the war? Use two pieces of historical evidence to support your