Woodrow Wilson, the Fourteen
Points and the Treaty of
Versailles
Objectives:
The students will…
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Be able to identify the major reasons for America’s entry into World War I
Explain the provisions of the 14 Points
Be able to identify the new nations of Europe after World War I
Be able to explain the significance of the Treaty of Versailles
Teacher Guide
Page 1
Materials:
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Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points Student Handout
The Treaty of Versailles
Maps of Europe during World War I and Europe between the Wars (Student Handout)
Optional:
• Contemporary map of Europe for comparison
Background:
The United States entered the Great War in 1917. President
Woodrow Wilson idealistically listed America’s war aims and
objectives in his 14 Points. These later became the basis for
discussions at the peace negotiations that were held in
Versailles, France. Wilson hoped that the conflict would be the
“war to end all wars” but the Treaty failed to achieve ratification
in the United States. Most importantly, the U.S. refused to join
the new League of Nations. The Treaty of Versailles was a
controversial document and many historians see the genesis for
World War II contained within the document (particularly the
boarder readjustments and efforts to establish ethnic autonomy
in Europe and the Middle East).
1. Explain to the students the various reasons for American
entry into the Great War.
2. Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points became the outline for
America’s objectives in the conflict.
a. Pass out the student handout and have the students look over the 14 Points.
b. Divide the students into groups.
c. Assign the each of the student groups one of Wilson’s 14 Points.
d. Have them design a poster graphically illustrating the content of the point.
e. Have them share the posters with the class and place them on display throughout
the room.
3. Have the students access the Treaty of Versailles.
a. Ask them how well the treaty reflected Wilson’s aims and objectives.
b. Discuss why the treaty was rejected by the United States Senate.
4. Pass out the two maps to the students.
a. Have them look carefully at the countries and then compare the two maps.
b. Have the students prepare a list of the new countries in Europe after World War I.
Teacher Guide
Page 2
i. It is interesting to look at a current map of Europe as well to see which
countries have had major boarder changes and which nations no longer
exist.
Teacher Guide
Page 3