This paper’s thesis is that President Woodrow Wilson’s rational approach in the pursuit of idealistic foreign policy goals produced an indication among other factors of a failure of the mandate system and the system of collective security in the interwar years (1918-1938).
Maintaining world peace after the “war to end all wars” (Knock, 1992) can be regarded as the decisive message of US President Thomas Woodrow Wilson’s speeches on the “Peace without victory” on 22nd January 1917 in front of the Senate and on the “Fourteen Points for Peace” on 8th January 1918 in front of the Congress.
Fuelled by the post-war “excitement of the moment” (McNamara and Blight, 2001) and “feeling[s] of supreme optimism, moral conviction, and idealism” (McNamara and Blight, 2001), Wilson demanded the formation of the League of Nations, an institutional framework that would enforce democratic decision-making outcomes and guarantee the establishment and maintenance of a “peace without victory”.
The paper’s discussion of the United States foreign policy is conducted in two dimensions. The theoretical dimension will outline the concept of liberal internationalism and Wilsonian idealism by analyzing his speech of the 22nd January 1917 in front of the Senate and the 18th January 1918 in front of the Congress. It will further define the concept of Realpolitik that expresses ideas of rationality in foreign policy decision-making and present its boundaries and alternatives.
The practical dimension will apply the theoretical groundwork on two incidents: Administration and distribution of pre-war colonies and the idea of collective security.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Theoretical dimension
- The "Peace without victory" and the "Fourteen Points of Peace"
- Wilsonian idealism and liberal internationalism
- Realpolitik and rationality in decision-making
- Boundaries and alternatives to rationality
- Practical dimension
- From the mandate system to the annexation system
- From collective security to collective punishment
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the success or failure of Woodrow Wilson's idealistic foreign policy goals during the interwar years (1919-1938), focusing on whether his rational approach ultimately achieved its objectives. It examines the application of rationality to complex social problems within the context of US foreign policy decision-making.
- Wilsonian idealism and its application in foreign policy
- The role of rationality and Realpolitik in decision-making
- The effectiveness of the League of Nations and collective security
- The impact of self-determination on post-war territorial arrangements
- The contrast between Wilson's idealistic goals and the realities of power politics
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introduction sets the stage by highlighting President Woodrow Wilson's speeches advocating for "Peace without victory" and the "Fourteen Points of Peace" as crucial messages aimed at maintaining world peace after World War I. It introduces Wilson's background and reputation as a diplomat and peacemaker, emphasizing the post-war optimism and idealism that fueled his vision. The introduction also clearly states the paper's thesis: that Wilson's rational approach to idealistic foreign policy goals ultimately contributed to the failure of the mandate system and collective security in the interwar years.
1. The “Peace without victory” and the “Fourteen Points of Peace”: This chapter delves into Wilson's speeches, examining his vision for a "peace without victory" based on equality and common participation. It analyzes his call for a community of power, rejecting a balance of power and entangling alliances. The chapter then explores the "Fourteen Points of Peace," detailing Wilson's proposals for freedom of the seas, arms reduction, removal of economic barriers, and self-determination for national groups. The chapter also highlights the political motivations behind the Fourteen Points, including the goal of encouraging dissent within the German and Austro-Hungarian Empires and controlling the peace process.
2. Wilsonian idealism and liberal internationalism: This section explores the idealistic nature of Wilson's vision, characterized by altruism and trust in the pursuit of a lasting peace. It defines Wilsonian idealism and links it to liberal internationalism, examining the core principles underlying Wilson's approach and their implications for international relations. The analysis connects these principles to the practical applications seen in the Fourteen Points and the proposed League of Nations, setting the stage for examining the subsequent practical challenges and limitations in the implementation of these ideals.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Woodrow Wilson's Foreign Policy (1919-1938)
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper analyzes the success or failure of Woodrow Wilson's idealistic foreign policy goals during the interwar years (1919-1938). It specifically examines whether his rational approach achieved its objectives, focusing on the application of rationality to complex social problems within the context of US foreign policy decision-making.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including Wilsonian idealism and its application in foreign policy; the role of rationality and Realpolitik in decision-making; the effectiveness of the League of Nations and collective security; the impact of self-determination on post-war territorial arrangements; and the contrast between Wilson's idealistic goals and the realities of power politics.
What is the significance of "Peace without victory" and the "Fourteen Points of Peace"?
These concepts represent the core of Wilson's vision for post-World War I peace. "Peace without victory" advocated for equality and common participation, rejecting a balance of power. The "Fourteen Points" detailed specific proposals for achieving peace, including freedom of the seas, arms reduction, removal of economic barriers, and self-determination.
How does the paper define Wilsonian idealism and its connection to liberal internationalism?
The paper defines Wilsonian idealism as an altruistic and trusting approach to achieving lasting peace. It links this idealism to liberal internationalism, examining the core principles underlying Wilson's approach and their implications for international relations, especially as seen in the Fourteen Points and the proposed League of Nations.
What is the paper's conclusion regarding the success or failure of Wilson's foreign policy?
The introduction states the paper's thesis: that Wilson's rational approach to idealistic foreign policy goals ultimately contributed to the failure of the mandate system and collective security in the interwar years. The full analysis and conclusion are detailed in the subsequent chapters.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into an introduction, a theoretical dimension (exploring Wilsonian idealism, Realpolitik, and rationality), a practical dimension (examining the mandate and annexation systems, and collective security/punishment), and a conclusion. Chapter summaries are provided, offering a detailed overview of each section's content.
What are some key terms or concepts addressed in this paper?
Key terms and concepts include Wilsonian Idealism, Liberal Internationalism, Realpolitik, Rationality, Collective Security, Self-determination, Mandate System, League of Nations, "Peace without Victory," and "Fourteen Points of Peace."
- Quote paper
- Sarah Winkelmann (Author), 2014, The Failure of Wilsonian Idealism in US Foreign Policy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/309557
