Woodrow Wilson and His Stance for Peace

Woodrow Wilson and His Vision for Post-War Peace

When it comes to President Woodrow Wilson and his plans for the world after World War I, there are many different opinions. Some believe that he was a “hopeless idealist” with plans that were too “unrealistic” for Americans and others around the world. Then there are people who think the opposite and believe that he and his plan were what kept them safe and out of war. That was the thing about Wilson; he didn’t like the idea of war and believed that maintaining a sense of neutrality was the best way to navigate the complex situations in Europe. I believe that Wilson and his plans were not unrealistic and helped shape the future of global institutions. Staying out of foreign affairs that do not directly affect us is, in my opinion, a wise strategy. We do not need to create a problem for ourselves if there isn’t one already there.

Wilson's Reluctant Path to War

Wilson kept America neutral until he couldn’t any longer. Everything changed on May 7, 1915, when German U-boats sank the British ship, the Lusitania, which carried 1,198 people, around 100 of whom were Americans. Germany then announced unrestricted submarine warfare between them and America, which led to Wilson cutting all ties with Germany. When the Germans continued their attacks on U.S. submarines and ships and then sent the Zimmerman Telegram to Mexico, Wilson had to declare war. As stated in the Transcript of President Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points (1918), “We entered this war because violations of right had occurred which touched us to the quick and made the life of our own people impossible unless they were corrected and the world secure once for all against their recurrence” (Wilson, 1918). Again, going into a war was not something Wilson was happy about, and I understand why.

I agree with Wilson’s terms of neutrality and not getting involved until we have to, but at that point in the game, actions needed to be taken. Germany was doing everything they could to stir up America and the rest of the world, and Wilson knew that. He knew that he was eventually going to have to do something about Germany, whether he liked it or not. As far as the world being ready for U.S. leadership and an expanded government, it is uncertain if they were ready for it, but it was something that was needed. The world needed someone to take the lead and help them against Germany. Furthermore, the war presented an opportunity for the United States to play a pivotal role in redefining international relations.

The 14 Points and the League of Nations

President Wilson took control and created his 14 Point plan and The League of Nations in hopes of bringing what everyone needed. His plans created a layout for peace, which he believed was what the world was looking for. He took a world that was so divisive and divided and did all he could to bring it back together. His stance for peace gave him and the United States global power and eventually brought changes to global institutions. Despite the League of Nations facing challenges and the U.S. ultimately not joining, Wilson's vision laid the groundwork for future organizations like the United Nations, which continue to strive for global peace and cooperation.

References

Wilson, W. (1918). Transcript of President Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points. Retrieved from [insert link here].