Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets | Key Points, Impact & Legacy (2025)

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Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets | Key Points, Impact & Legacy (1)

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Table of Contents

The Fourteen Points were a set of principles outlined by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in a speech to the U.S. Congress on January 8, 1918. The speech set out the American vision for a just and lasting peace after World War I. The points were intended to address the underlying causes of the war and to establish a framework for a stable and lasting international order.

See the fact file below for more information about the Fourteen Points (WWI), or you can download our 27-page Fourteen Points (WWI) worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EVENTS THAT LED TO THE FOURTEEN POINTS

  • Several events and factors contributed to the formulation of the Fourteen Points:
  • World War I (1914-1918): The destructive and devastating nature of World War I prompted world leaders to seek a lasting and just peace. By 1917, the war had reached a stalemate, and there was a growing desire among the belligerent nations for a settlement.
  • Russian Revolution (1917): The Russian Revolution led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the rise of the Bolsheviks. The new Soviet government, led by Vladimir Lenin, withdrew Russia from the war.
  • This incident created a situation where the Central Powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary) could focus more resources on the Western Front.
  • Entry of the United States into the War: The United States initially pursued a policy of neutrality, but unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany, especially the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915 andthe interception of the Zimmermann Telegram in 1917, led to the U.S. declaring war on Germany in April 1917. President Wilson sought “a war to end all wars” and a peace without victors.
  • Idealistic Vision of Woodrow Wilson: President Woodrow Wilson, often called “the schoolmaster in the White House” because of his career in education, was known for his idealistic approach to foreign policy. He believed in the principles of democracy, self-determination, and free trade.
  • His vision for peace was rooted in the idea that addressing the underlying causes of conflict could prevent future wars.
  • Preventing Future Wars: Wilson aimed to create a framework for international relations that would prevent future conflicts.
  • He wanted to replace the traditional balance of power politics with a system based on open diplomacy, free trade, disarmament, and the right of nations to self-determination.
  • Consultation and Diplomacy: Wilson emphasized the importance of diplomacy and consultation between nations to address grievances and disputes. Open covenants openly arrived at, and mutual agreements were essential principles in his vision.
  • League of Nations: Perhaps the most significant of the Fourteen Points was the proposal for a League of Nations, an international organization aimed at maintaining peace and preventing future conflicts. Wilson saw the League as a mechanism for collective security and cooperation among nations.
  • The Fourteen Points presented were a basis for the peace negotiations that eventually led to the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
  • While the Fourteen Points did influence the shaping of the postwar order, the final treaty was more punitive towards Germany, leading to some criticism of the perceived gap between Wilson’s ideals and the actual terms of the settlement.

KEY POINTS IN THE FOURTEEN POINTS

  • Open Diplomacy: Wilson emphasized the importance of transparent and open communication between nations. This approach meant countries should openly discuss their issues and work towards resolutions instead of resorting to secret agreements that might lead to misunderstandings.
  • Freedom of the Seas: Wilson advocated for the freedom of the seas, ensuring that all nations could navigate the oceans without fear of interference.
  • This would facilitate international trade and peaceful relations among countries.
  • Free Trade: The idea of free trade was crucial in Wilson’s vision. He believed that when nations engage in trade without unnecessary restrictions, it fosters economic interdependence and reduces the likelihood of conflict.
  • Reduction of Armaments: Wilson proposed a reduction in military weapons and forces. By limiting the size of armies and navies, he hoped to decrease the likelihood of nations resorting to war as a means of settling disputes.
  • Self-Determination: This principle stressed the importance of allowing people in different regions to decide their own political future.
  • Wilson believed that the diverse groups of people in Europe should have the right to govern themselves, leading to the formation of independent nations.
  • Fair Adjustment of Colonial Claims: Wilson called for a fair and impartial adjustment of all colonial claims, taking into consideration the interests of the colonial populations.
  • Territorial Integrity: Wilson emphasized the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of nations. He sought to prevent the dismemberment of countries and the redrawing of borders without the consent of the affected populations. This principle aimed to establish a stable and just post-war order.
  • Fair Treatment of Russia: Recognizing the impact of the Russian Revolution just treatment of the Russian people in the international arena.
  • He sought to ensure that Russia would be included in post-war discussions and not face undue punishment.
  • Just and Lasting Peace: The overarching theme of the Fourteen Points was the quest for a just and lasting peace. Wilson aimed to address the root causes of conflict and establish a framework for international relations that would prevent the recurrence of devastating wars like World War I.
  • To summarize, the Fourteen Points consist of:
    • Open Diplomacy
    • Freedom of the Seas
    • Removal of Economic Barriers
    • Reduction of Armaments
    • Adjustment of Colonial Claims
    • National Self-Determination
    • Territorial Integrity
    • Fair Treatment of Russia
    • League of Nations
    • Reparation for War Damage – Wilson suggested that reparations for war damage should be fair
    • and not create economic hardships for the defeated nations.
    • Recognition of the Interests of Small Nations
    • Economic Cooperation
    • Dismantling of Imperialistic Agendas – Wilson expressed a desire for the abolition of imperialistic agendas, seeking to address the root causes of conflict related to imperial ambitions.
    • Association of Nations (League of Nations)

IMPACT AND LEGACY

Influence on Post-War Treaties:

  • Although the Treaty of Versailles did not fully reflect the Fourteen Points, some of its principles did find their way into the peace treaties with Central Powers.
  • The principle of open diplomacy, for example, influenced the negotiation process, and certain territorial adjustments aimed to align with the idea of national self-determination.

Reshaping International Relations:

  • Wilson’s vision for a world based on open diplomacy and cooperation significantly influenced the post-war diplomatic landscape.
  • The League of Nations, despite its limitations and eventual shortcomings, represented an early attempt at creating an international forum for dispute resolution and collaboration among nations.

Discontent and Dissatisfaction:

  • The Treaty of Versailles, which concluded the war, was criticized for being more punitive than Wilson’s idealistic vision.
  • The harsh terms imposed on Germany contributed to economic hardships and political instability, laying the groundwork for future conflicts, including World War II.

Impact on Post-War Borders:

  • The call for fair and impartial adjustment of colonial claims and respect for territorial integrity influenced the redrawing of borders in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
  • However, the actual implementation of these principles was complicated by geopolitical realities and the interests of the Allied powers.

Inspiration for Later International Organizations:

  • The League of Nations, despite its shortcomings, laid the groundwork for later international organizations, including the United Nations.
  • The Fourteen Points inspired discussions on creating mechanisms for global cooperation and conflict resolution that continue to shape the world today.

Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Fourteen Points (WWI) across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Fourteen Points (WWI). The Fourteen Points were a set of principles outlined by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in a speech to the U.S. Congress on January 8, 1918.

Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets | Key Points, Impact & Legacy (2)
Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets | Key Points, Impact & Legacy (3)
Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets | Key Points, Impact & Legacy (4)
Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets | Key Points, Impact & Legacy (5)
Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets | Key Points, Impact & Legacy (6)
Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets | Key Points, Impact & Legacy (7)

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Fourteen point (WWI) Facts
  2. Quick Review
  3. Warring Causes
  4. The Schoolmaster
  5. Safe for Democracy
  6. Open Diplomacy
  7. Freedom of the Seas
  8. Free Trade
  9. The Power of Arms
  10. Self Determination
  11. Making it Right

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points?

The purpose of the Fourteen Points was to provide a framework for a just and lasting peace after World War I. Wilson aimed to address the underlying causes of the conflict and establish a foundation for a new world order that would prevent future wars.

What were some key principles outlined in the Fourteen Points?

The Fourteen Points included principles such as open diplomacy, freedom of the seas, free trade, self-determination for nations, and the establishment of a League of Nations to promote collective security and prevent future conflicts.

How did the Fourteen Points influence the Treaty of Versailles?

The Fourteen Points had a significant impact on the Treaty of Versailles, which was the peace settlement that officially ended World War I. While not all of Wilson’s points were incorporated into the treaty, some, like the League of Nations, were included. However, the punitive nature of some treaty terms, particularly those affecting Germany, contributed to later geopolitical tensions.

What was the League of Nations, and how did it relate to the Fourteen Points?

The League of Nations was an international organization proposed by Woodrow Wilson in the Fourteen Points. It was intended to be a forum for nations to discuss and resolve conflicts peacefully, promoting collective security. Although the League was established, the United States ultimately did not join, and the League’s effectiveness was limited.

How did the Fourteen Points impact the post-war geopolitical landscape?

The Fourteen Points influenced the post-war geopolitical landscape by promoting principles of self-determination, open diplomacy, and the establishment of international institutions. However, the implementation of these ideas faced challenges, contributing to subsequent geopolitical tensions and, eventually, the outbreak of World War II. The Fourteen Points left a lasting legacy in the development of international relations and diplomacy.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

Related Resources

Fourteen Points (WWI) Worksheets | Key Points, Impact & Legacy (2025)

FAQs

What were the 14 points during World War 1? ›

Designed as guidelines for the rebuilding of the postwar world, the points included Wilson's ideas regarding nations' conduct of foreign policy, including freedom of the seas and free trade and the concept of national self-determination, with the achievement of this through the dismantling of European empires and the ...

What was the impact of the Fourteen Points? ›

These points were later taken as the basis for peace negotiations at the end of World War I. In this January 8, 1918, speech on War Aims and Peace Terms, President Wilson set down 14 points as a blueprint for world peace that was to be used for peace negotiations after World War I.

What was Wilson's 14 point plan simplified? ›

Wilson's Fourteen Points primarily supported the idea of lasting peace. Many of the points focused on: trade equality, ending of secrete treaties, and alliances, freedom of the seas, and the establishment of the League of Nations.

What was the Fourteen Points speech? ›

The Fourteen Points was a statement of principles for peace that was to be used for peace negotiations in order to end World War I. The principles were outlined in a January 8, 1918 speech on war aims and peace terms to the United States Congress by President Woodrow Wilson.

Why did the 14 Points fail? ›

The problem was that Wilson's vision did not take into account the claims of France and Britain and their allies. Its most noted legacy was in the establishment of the League of Nations (although unlike Wilson's ideal this was separate from the peace treaties and initially Germany was not admitted).

What does Fourteen Points mean AP world History? ›

The Fourteen Points were a proposal made by President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 outlining his vision for ending World War I in a way that would prevent such devastating conflict from happening again.

What were Roosevelt's 14 Points? ›

The 14 Points called for a just peace for all parties involved in the Great War, the end of secret treaties between nations, free trade among nations, freedom of the seas, self-determination for people under colonial rule, and an international group like the League of Nations to deal with world security.

How did the Fourteen Points seek to change the world? ›

They prescribed a program of transparency in international relations, free trade, freedom of the seas, reductions in armaments, national self-determination, and adjustment of colonial claims that gave equal weight to the peoples of the colonized countries.

What was the purpose of the Fourteen Points quizlet? ›

What was the purpose of Wilson's Fourteen Points? To bring about a world government run by popular votes and open discussion.

What would have happened if the 14 Points were accepted? ›

If the countries had agreed to signing the fourteen points instead of the Treaty of Versailles, we could have avoided World War 2. Led to less resentment in Germany. It would have helped lessen the devastation of the great depression. And it could have helped monitor Hitler more closely.

Why did the United States reject the Treaty? ›

In 1919 the Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles, which formally ended World War I, in part because President Woodrow Wilson had failed to take senators' objections to the agreement into consideration. They have made the French treaty subject to the authority of the League, which is not to be tolerated.

What Treaty ended WW1? ›

Though nearly thirty nations participated, the representatives of the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and Italy became known as the “Big Four.” The “Big Four” dominated the proceedings that led to the formulation of the Treaty of Versailles, a treaty that ended World War I.

What did the Fourteen Points promise? ›

In a speech before Congress on January 8, 1918, Wilson laid out his “14 Points,” an ambitious blueprint for ending World War I that emphasized “national self-determination” for both small and large nations, and included the creation of a cooperative League of Nations to peaceably resolve all future disputes.

What events brought America into WWI? ›

The House concurred two days later. The United States later declared war on German ally Austria-Hungary on December 7, 1917. Germany's resumption of submarine attacks on passenger and merchant ships in 1917 became the primary motivation behind Wilson's decision to lead the United States into World War I.

What were early criticisms of the Fourteen Points? ›

Early criticisms of the Fourteen Points included concerns about their feasibility and the potential challenges of implementing such idealistic principles in the complex post-war negotiations. Some argued that the points were vague and lacked specific details on how to achieve the proposed goals.

Why do you think Wilson's 14-point plan was not put into practice? ›

In summary, Wilson's 14-point plan was not fully implemented due to opposition from other countries, lack of widespread support, domestic opposition in the United States, and limitations of the League of Nations.

What is open diplomacy 14 Points? ›

Points one to four introduced general ideas that Wilson expected the nations of the world to adhere to in conducting foreign policy. The first point, open diplomacy, called for what today is referred to as transparency rather than secret alliances and partnerships for war.

What were the main points of the Treaty of Versailles? ›

It limited the German Army and Navy in size, and allowed for the trial of Kaiser Wilhelm II and a number of other high-ranking German officials as war criminals. Under the terms of Article 231 of the Treaty, the Germans accepted responsibility for the war and the liability to pay financial reparations to the Allies.

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