ANALYZING WILSON’S 14 POINTS PD +Q’S

Directions: Complete the questions below using the excerpts from Wilson’s speech as a reference. I have
included a vocabulary key at the end of the document that goes in the order of the reading - it may or may not
prove useful. As you answer, be thorough and thoughtful using your own words, thoughts and ideas.

1) Wilson uses his first paragraphs (before the 14 Points) as an introduction to provide background information
as to why the U.S. joined WWI. Summarize Wilson’s justification for U.S. entry in WWI in two sentences or
less.

2) As you read the 14 Points and Wilson’s final paragraphs answer each of the questions that follow. They do
not necessarily go in order (though I have attempted to put them in approximate order when possible). Rather,
you need to read the entire document with these questions in mind and respond once you clearly understand the
answer.

A) How does Wilson plan to deal with each of the MAIN causes of the war?

- Militarism:

- Alliances:

- Imperialism:

- Nationalism:

B) What should be done with territory that was occupied militarily?

C) What will be done about ethnically based nationalist movements?

D) Who will take the blame for the war? Why do you think this is?

E) Upon what principles does Wilson say his entire program (the 14 Points) is based?

3) Do you think Wilson’s 14 Points present a good plan for ending the war and preventing future wars? Explain.
 KEY VOCABULARY FROM THE 14 POINTS
“touched us to the quick” – the quick is the blood vessel inside an animal’s claw; when the quick
is touched (cut) it bleeds and is very painful
recurrence – happening again
peculiar – specific (as used in this document)
covenants – agreements
frankly – honestly
consenting – agreeing
adequate – sufficient; good enough
armaments – military weapons
domestic – at home (in one’s own country)
impartial – unbiased
sovereignty – self government
equitable – fair and reasonable
unhampered – not slowed, stopped or interfered with
“acid test” – a severe or critical test
validity – legitimacy
autonomous – on their own or independent
territorial integrity – borders should be maintained as they are and as they were
unmolested – free and not interfered with
indisputably – without question
mutual – among everyone
rectifications – fixes
assertions – statements
intimate – close
provocations – causes
culminating – ending
integrity – honesty and rightnes