QUESTIONS:

1. Explain the idea behind Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points.
2. Why do you think that Wilson’s 14 point plan was not put into practice?
3. Using your own knowledge. Why might it have been a good idea to treat Germany more
   leniently when drawing up the peace teaty?
4. Explain why the German government felt that they had to sign the Treaty of Versailles.
   How did the German public react to this?

Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points were proposed as a framework for a just and lasting peace following World War I. They emphasized self-determination for nations, free trade, open diplomacy, and the formation of an association of nations to prevent future conflicts. Wilson believed this plan would not only end the war but also create a sustainable international order that respected the sovereignty of nations and promoted global cooperation.

Despite its noble intentions, Wilson’s plan faced significant opposition, particularly from European leaders who prioritized national interests and reparations over idealism. The prevailing sentiment was that Germany must be held accountable for the war, leading to a punitive approach instead of Wilson’s more forgiving vision. Consequently, the Treaty of Versailles, which emerged from the negotiations, diverged significantly from the Fourteen Points and ultimately contributed to economic hardship and resentment in Germany.