Evaluate 14 Points Readings

America's major wars often lead to conflict post-war (refer to Reconstruction following Civil War).
Period characterized as "unsettled peace" over two years (1919-1920).

Treaty of Versailles not ratified by U.S. Senate.
- Two votes late 1919; one final vote early 1920 on ratification.
Treaty involved U.S. in the League of Nations, which faced Senate opposition.
Rise of nativism and racialism in society.
Wartime repression influenced postwar Red Scare and labor-management conflicts.

Purpose: Framework for lasting peace, address pressures from Lenin’s Russia (Bolshevik influence).
Sought to unify and rally Europe against Central Powers while appealing to discontented populations.
Key Points of Wilson's Speech (pp. 694-698):
1. Open diplomacy with no secret treaties.
2. Freedom of navigation in peace and war (outside territorial waters).
3. Removal of economic barriers and equality of trade conditions among nations.
4. Reduction of armaments to domestic safety levels.
5. Fair resolution of colonial claims prioritizing the interests of affected populations.
6. Evacuation of Russian territory to secure political development.
7. Evacuation and restoration of Belgium to secure international law.
8. Return of French territories (specifically, Alsace-Lorraine) from Germany.
9. Adjustment of Italian borders based on nationality.
10. Self-determination for Austro-Hungarian peoples.
11. Evacuation of Rumania, Serbia, Montenegro; secure regional independence.
12. Sovereignty for Turkish territories; autonomy for others under Ottoman rule.
13. Establishment of an independent Polish state with access to the sea.
14. Formation of a League of Nations to guarantee independence and territorial integrity.

Treaty of Versailles reflected Wilson's ideals but modified by European leaders:
- Article 10: Protection against external aggression - deemed the heart of the League.
- Article 11: Declared any war or threat of war a concern for the entire League, emphasizing collective responsibility for peace.
Key Articles Sections of Treaty:
- Military Clauses: Restrictions on German military capabilities, including total army size limitations (max $100,000$ men by March $31$ , $1920$ ).
- Reparations: Article $231$ placed responsibility on Germany for war damages, acknowledging their aggressive actions.

Senator Henry Cabot Lodge spoke against ratifying the League covenant (Feb $28$ , $1919$ ).
Emphasized the need for clarity in the League’s terms to prevent misinterpretation among nations.
Highlighted the danger of abandoning the Washington Policy and Monroe Doctrine in favor of a permanent alliance, contrasting with longstanding U.S. foreign policy.
Argued for necessity of clear, explicit language in treaties to uphold international peace and treaty sanctity.
- Warned against ambiguity that could lead to conflict among signatory nations.

Wilson campaigned for public support of the peace treaty (1919), emphasizing Article X which secured collective action against aggression.
Advocated for Article XI's positive role in allowing nations to raise issues affecting world peace.
Proposed that the economic boycott would be an effective non-violent measure to control nations disregarding the League principles, emphasizing its success in crippling Germany during WWI.

Post-war developments heightened racial tensions, leading to increased violence, including lynchings and race riots in Northern cities, particularly Chicago.

Conflicting expectations among returning African American soldiers fueled societal unrest, reflected in the outbreak of riots.

How do Wilson's Fourteen Points guide postwar nation restructuring, particularly for specific nations?
Which of Wilson’s points (I-V) is deemed most critical?
What are the immediate and symbolic significances of points VI and VII?
Compare the Fourteen Points to the Treaty of Versailles—where did they compromise?
Discuss Lodge’s concerns about the League of Nations and how it intersects with previous U.S. policies.
Analyze Wilson's perspective on the necessity of Articles X and XI in ensuring global peace.