Woodrow Wilsons 14 Points Debate

p THEN AND NOW

Woodrow Wilson 's Fourteen Points

Former United States President Woodrow Wilson took the courage to make a stand in ending a war that plagued the world into oblivion and distress during 1914 . World War I gave an everlasting impression how far a nation can go just to defend her territory , resources and people . At the hype of this raging war , Wilson publicly declared in January 8 , 1918 his Fourteen Points as a gateway for world peace and diplomatic alliances

According to Wilson , there was need for a

common venue among nations to discuss and settle the effects of war . To achieve such , a mutual understanding should be forged among these nations as basis for the implementation and preservation of world peace . Delivered during the 65th Congress Second Session in 1918 , Woodrow 's speech on Fourteen Points included a proposal for the creation of the League of Nations and the importance of peace treaties . In particular , the Treaty of Versailles was one of the treaties produced out from Wilson 's Fourteen Points . Aside from matters relating to wars , Wilson also pointed out the importance of removing all economic barriers among nations in to pursue a global economic development benefiting all nations that agree with it ( said nations will comprise Wilson 's proposal for a League of Nations

Despite the profound interest for global peace , Wilson 's Fourteen Points ' was not accepted well by some United States government leaders at that time . According to them , the Treaty of Versailles will endanger the security and democratic rights of the Americans . One of those who strongly opposed for the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles was former Senator Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts

In his speech on November 6 , 1919 , Lodge declared that neither other nations nor treaties can dictate how Americans should decide for their country . He emphasized on the role of US Congress in the decision-makings for United States policies , both internal and foreign affairs . Lodge also paid specific attention to the provision of the treaty stating on a limitation of armaments among member nations According to him , it is only the United States that can decide how it will go about its armaments and other stuff relating to national defense

Aside from Lodge , former Senator William E . Borah of Idaho as well disagreed on the Treaty of Versailles . In his speech , also addressed on November 19 , 1919 , Borah averred that said Treaty disrespects the democratic system which the United States has been upholding since the very beginning . Borah said that the Treaty is in conflict with the freedom of the Americans to live for themselves , and be governed accordingly by the laws of their country (and not by any treaty . He also mentioned on the citizens from other member nations wherein they also have the right to govern for themselves and not to be dictated upon by a rule of force by other nations . He said on the Treaty of Versailles : Your treaty means justice . It means...