President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points, presented in January 1918, were intended to address both short-term and long-term goals in the context of World War I and the post-war world. Here’s a breakdown of these goals:
Short-term Goals:
- Bring the War to an End: The immediate aim was to end World War I by proposing principles that could be accepted by both the Allies and Central Powers, leading to a negotiated peace.
- Secure International Support for the Allies: Wilson sought to unify the Allies under a common framework to strengthen their resolve and foster mutual cooperation against the Central Powers.
Long-term Goals:
- Remove Economic Barriers to Free Trade: One of the points emphasized the importance of free trade among nations to promote economic stability and prevent future conflicts.
- Abolish the Use of Secret Treaties among Nations: Wilson believed that transparency in international agreements would reduce mistrust and prevent the kind of diplomatic intrigues that had contributed to the war.
In summary, Wilson's Fourteen Points were designed not only to achieve immediate peace but also to lay the groundwork for a more stable and cooperative international order in the years to come.