Unlike his European allies, president Wilson saw the war in:

President Woodrow Wilson, during World War I, saw the war in a different way compared to his European allies. Wilson initially sought to maintain a neutral stance and keep the United States out of the conflict. He envisioned a role for the U.S. that was focused on promoting peace and acting as a mediator.

Wilson's perspective on the war was encapsulated in his proposal for a "peace without victory," emphasizing the idea that the post-war settlement should be just and fair to all parties involved. He advocated for a peace based on his Fourteen Points, which outlined principles such as self-determination, open diplomacy, and the establishment of a League of Nations to prevent future conflicts.

Wilson's vision was distinct from the more punitive approach taken by some of his European allies, particularly the Allies (such as France and the United Kingdom), who were more inclined toward seeking reparations and imposing harsh conditions on the Central Powers (Germany and its allies) after their defeat.