Brief Summary
The Set-Up
Wilson recaps why the United States entered the war—to make the world safe and free as a free bird. He then encourages his audience—Congress, but also everybody who read the printed version—to join him in entering a global community of nations.
Then he sings "Kumbaya."*
*There are no sources that back up this statement…but we're pretty sure that's what happened.
The Text
In fourteen broad strokes, the Fourteen Points lay out a vision for the world. Wilson's idea of a global community of free nations is built on two ideas: transparency and peace. (He omitted a clause about free ice cream sundaes and friendship bracelets, which we think is a massive oversight.)
He seeks to make international law better suited to both by suggesting a few things, such as:
- No more secret treaties between nations.
- No more violations of other nations' sovereignty.
- Self-determination for colonial territories.
At the end, Wilson concludes by suggesting the formation of a "general association of nations" (XIV.1). Basically, he meant a huge council where everyone from around the world would get together to discuss defending freedom. Think of the League of Nations as the Council of Elrond from Lord of the Rings—you had some elves, some dwarves, some humans, and even some hobbits.
Woodrow Wilson was the guy trying to get everyone to work together—kind of like Gandalf, but without the snazzy beard and magical powers.
TL;DR
The war is about to be over—now let's all kiss and make up new rules.