Based on Wilson's public declarations, why was the United States entering the Great War (WWI)? How was this different from his private declarations? What was Wilson's plan for the postwar world?

Writing Assignment #3
Based on Wilson's public declarations, why was the United States entering the Great War (WWI)? How was this different from his private declarations? What was Wilson's plan for the postwar world?

Based on Wilson's public declarations the United States was entering the war because in August 1914, President Woodrow Wilson asked Americans to remain impartial in thought and deed toward the war that had just broken out in Europe. Wilson wanted the United States to exemplify the democratic commitment to peace, but "The Great War" continually challenged the nation's neutrality. American farms and factories fed and armed Europe's armies; both the Allied and Central powers violated international laws governing ocean travel and shipping. For almost three years, the President presided over difficult, deteriorating neutrality, until finally the provocations could no longer be ignored or negotiated. In this lesson, students will analyze one of the most significant moments in twentieth century U.S. foreign relations: Wilson's decision to enter World War I in order to make the world "safe for democracy." This was different from Wilson’s private declarations because Wilson speaks of peace, freedom, and a possibility of peace without victory, but what actually happened was the total opposite and resulted in the United States going to war exactly what Wilson said he didn’t want to do. Wilson meant that the only peace that lasts is that which comes without a war, or victory. After war, the victor forces peace. Wilsons plan for the post war world was to put forward a plan called the "Fourteen Points" as a basis for establishing lasting peace and prosperity after World War One in many countries. The main points of the peace plan was the usage of open covenants of peace, which there shall not be any "private international understandings of any kind", no secret or hidden alliances between countries that played a part in the war, as it brought a localized conflict into a global war. There should also be absolute freedom of navigation across the seas, in peace or in war. Removal of economical barriers and establishment of equality of trade conditions among all countries is enforced. He also encourages the reduction of arms amongst the world powers, reducing the chances of an arm race breaking out. Relocation of territories to former territories is emphasized to quell resentment and to suppress riots among discontented countries. Also, "a general association of nations" must be formed after the war that would resolve international problems through negotiation, arms reduction and through the use of force against the aggressors as the last resort. The League of Nations was an expression of the world's hopes and determination to prevent another world war, and was the centerpiece of Wilson's ideals and plans to promote global peace and security. However, he could not get the votes from his own government as the US Senate supported the policy of isolationism, meaning that they did not want USA to become involved in other world affairs that require their young men to fight another war again. The absence of this big power was a huge blow to the organization, and severely weakened its credibility and structure, and power to control.