Wilson's Fourteen Points

Wilson proposed his Fourteen Points in January 1918 as the basis for peace. They reflected the principles of self-determination, open diplomacy, free trade, freedom of the seas, reduction of armaments, and creation of a League of Nations to prevent future wars. Wilson hoped to use Fourteen Points principles to produce a just peace.

The other Allied leaders had different priorities. Clemenceau wanted to weaken Germany permanently. Lloyd George wanted to protect British interests, especially naval and imperial. Orlando wanted Italian territorial gains promised in secret treaties. The resulting treaty was a compromise that satisfied no one and pleased Wilson least of all.