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Fourteen Points

Definition

The Fourteen Points were proposed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 as his vision for a just and lasting peace following World War I. They included principles such as self-determination for nations and free trade.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a game with friends but there's constant arguing about rules. So one friend steps up (Woodrow Wilson) with fourteen new rules or guidelines everyone should follow to make sure everyone has fun - this is like Wilson's Fourteen Points.

Related terms

Self-Determination: The principle that nations have the right to choose their own government without outside interference.

League of Nations: An international organization proposed in Wilson’s Fourteen Points designed to secure political independence and territorial integrity for all states and thus ensure enduring peace.

Open Diplomacy: One of Wilson's Fourteen Points, it called for transparency in international relations to avoid secret treaties and alliances.