Why did the other allies like Great Britain and France not support President Wilsons ?

History · High School · Wed Jan 13 2021

Answered on

President Wilson's proposal for a post-World War I peace plan, known as the Fourteen Points, faced varying degrees of support and opposition from other Allied powers, including Great Britain and France. There were several reasons why they did not fully support all aspects of Wilson's plan:

  1. Territorial and National Interests: Great Britain and France had different territorial and national interests compared to the principles outlined in Wilson's Fourteen Points. They were more focused on securing territorial gains and reparations from Germany to compensate for the damages caused during the war.
  2. Security Concerns: France, in particular, had suffered immensely during the war and was primarily concerned with ensuring its security against potential future aggression from Germany. France aimed to weaken Germany militarily and economically to prevent any future threats.
  3. Versailles Treaty Negotiations: The Treaty of Versailles, which marked the end of World War I, was the product of negotiations among the Allied powers. While certain elements of Wilson's plan, such as the establishment of the League of Nations, were incorporated into the treaty, other points, such as self-determination for all nations and complete disarmament, were not fully embraced.
  4. Disagreements over Punitive Measures: Wilson advocated for a more lenient approach towards Germany, focusing on reconciliation and creating a lasting peace. However, both Great Britain and France sought harsher punitive measures against Germany, including significant reparations and territorial losses, which were reflected in the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.
  5. Domestic Pressures and Public Opinion: Leaders in Great Britain and France faced domestic pressures and public opinion that favored a tougher stance against Germany. The populations in these countries were more inclined towards holding Germany accountable for the war and ensuring that it paid reparations for the damages caused.

While elements of Wilson's Fourteen Points influenced the post-war settlement and laid the groundwork for the League of Nations, there were fundamental differences in priorities and perspectives between the United States and its Allied partners, leading to varying levels of support and alignment with Wilson's vision for the post-war world order.