Wilson Announces 14 Point Plan

Wilson and the Fourteen Points US President Woodrow Wilson addressed the US Congress on January 8, 1918. In his speech, he outlined the causes of the war and put forth his 14 points that would be the basis for ending the war. His remarks were widely disseminated throughout the world.

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson put forth fourteen points that he believed could be the basis for a settlement of the Great War.

No secret diplomacy Freedom of the Seas; No international barriers to trade; Reduction in armaments; Adjustment of colonial disputes Evacuation of Russian territory with self-determination Evacuation and restoration of Belgian sovereignty Restoration of French sovereignty Modification of the Italian frontiers Autonomy for the population of Austria- Hungary Evacuation and restoration of the Balkan nations and peoples Internationalization of the Dardanelles Independence for Poland with guaranteed access to the sea; Creation of a League of Nations.

Wilson speech was widely covered all around the world, and his 14 points were circulated widely in Europe. The Germans believed when they surrendered that peace would be based on them.