Question

Охарактеризуйте уривок виступу В. Вілсона в конгресі 2 квітня 1917 р. Чи переконали Вас озвучені президентом США причини вступу країни у війну та її цілі у війні?

Answer 1

Ответ:

Чотирнадцять пунктів Вільсона (англ. Wilson's Fourteen Points або просто Fourteen Points) — концепція президента Сполучених Штатів Вудро Вільсона, в якій він окреслив своє бачення міжнародного устрою після Першої світової війни. Озвучені в промові Вілсона перед Конгресом 8 січня 1918 року.Основними ідеями програми президента була відмова від таємної дипломатії, поширення рівності торгівлі, повернення Франції Ельзасу-Лотарингії (анексія якої Німеччиною внаслідок франко-прусської війни 1870—1871 була предметом міжнародної нестабільності протягом десятиліть і однією з причин Першої світової війни), звільнення окупованих Німеччиною країн, надання незалежності Польщі, створення об'єднання націй — Ліги Націй (куди, втім, США не увійшли через протидію республіканців у Конгресі).

Answer 2

The Speech by Woodrow Wilson in Congress on April 2, 1917

On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson delivered a speech to Congress, urging the United States to enter World War I. In his speech, Wilson outlined the reasons for American involvement in the war and the goals the country aimed to achieve. Let's examine the key points of Wilson's speech and evaluate the reasons and goals he presented.

Reasons for U.S. Entry into the War

President Wilson highlighted several reasons to justify the United States' entry into the war:

1. German submarine warfare: Wilson condemned Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, which threatened American lives and violated international law. He argued that the sinking of American ships by German submarines was a direct attack on American rights and interests.

2. Zimmermann Telegram: Wilson mentioned the Zimmermann Telegram, a secret message sent by Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the United States. The telegram's interception and publication further fueled anti-German sentiment in the United States.

3. Defense of democracy and human rights: Wilson emphasized the need to defend democratic values and protect the rights of nations to determine their own destinies. He believed that the United States had a moral obligation to support the Allied powers in their fight against autocracy and aggression.

4. Economic interests: Wilson argued that American economic interests were at stake in the war. He claimed that a German victory would threaten global trade and the principles of free commerce, which were vital for American prosperity.

Goals in the War

President Wilson also outlined the goals the United States aimed to achieve by entering the war:

1. "To make the world safe for democracy": Wilson expressed the desire to create a world where democratic governments could thrive and where nations could peacefully coexist. He believed that the defeat of autocratic powers would pave the way for a more just and peaceful international order.

2. "To vindicate the principles of peace and justice": Wilson emphasized the importance of upholding principles of peace and justice in international relations. He argued that the war was an opportunity to establish a new world order based on fairness, equality, and respect for national sovereignty.

3. "To secure the rights and liberties of small nations": Wilson advocated for the protection of the rights and liberties of smaller nations, which he believed were often oppressed by larger powers. He called for an end to imperialistic practices and the establishment of a system that respected the self-determination of all nations.

Evaluation of Wilson's Reasons and Goals

The reasons and goals presented by President Wilson in his speech were influential in shaping public opinion and ultimately led to the United States' entry into World War I. Wilson's emphasis on defending American lives, protecting democratic values, and safeguarding economic interests resonated with many Americans.

However, it is important to note that Wilson's speech was a persuasive argument aimed at justifying American involvement in the war. While the reasons he presented were valid, they were not the only factors that influenced the decision to enter the war. Other factors, such as political considerations and pressure from certain interest groups, also played a role.

In conclusion, President Woodrow Wilson's speech in Congress on April 2, 1917, provided a compelling case for the United States' entry into World War I. His reasons, including German submarine warfare and the defense of democracy, and his goals, such as making the world safe for democracy and securing the rights of small nations, were intended to rally public support for American involvement in the war.