Wilson's 14-point-programme

In a programmatic address before both houses of the American Congress on 8 January 1918, President Woodrow Wilson presents a 14-Point-Programme based on the idea of self-determination for nations. It contains the foundations of a peace system for a Europe shaken by the First World War. German troops are required to leave occupied areas. Belgium is to be restored, and Alsace-Lorraine, part of the German Reich since the Franco-German War of 1871, is to be returned to France. Formulations of other demands turn out to be rather vague (i.e. „freedom of the seas“ and „autonomous development“ for the peoples of Austria-Hungary).

Wilson’s 14-Point-Programme is publicised even in the German press. However, the Reich Government ignores it. Its Russian opponent is on the verge of collapse, and Berlin still hopes it can master the catastrophic situation on the Western Front with an influx of troops no longer needed in the East, a hope which will not be fulfilled.

© PUP