As an expert in the field of history, particularly with a focus on the early 20th century, I can provide a comprehensive overview of President Woodrow Wilson's plan for peace, known as the Fourteen Points.

The Fourteen Points were a set of principles that President Wilson believed would lead to a just and lasting peace after World War I. These principles were outlined in a speech he delivered to the United States Congress on January 8, 1918. The speech was a response to the devastation of the war and the need for a new approach to international relations that would prevent future conflicts.

**1. Open covenants of peace, openly arrived at:** Wilson advocated for transparency in the negotiation of peace treaties, arguing that secret agreements were one of the causes of the war.

**2. Absolute freedom of navigation upon the seas:** This point called for the removal of all restrictions on maritime trade, which had been a significant issue during the war.

**3. The removal of all economic barriers and the establishment of an equality of trade conditions:** Wilson sought to create a global economy with free trade and equal opportunities for all nations.

**4. Adequate guarantees of Belgian independence and security:** Following the brutal occupation of Belgium by Germany, Wilson demanded the restoration of Belgium's sovereignty.

**5. A readjustment of the frontiers of France and Germany along clearly recognizable lines of nationality:** This aimed to address the Alsace-Lorraine dispute and ensure self-determination for affected populations.

**6. The establishment of an independent Poland:** Wilson supported the creation of a Polish state with secure and accessible sea coast.

**7. A settlement of the Italian frontiers along lines of nationality:** This point aimed to resolve territorial disputes between Italy and its neighbors.

**8. The evacuation of all Russian territory and the establishment of a stable government:** Wilson recognized the need for Russia to regain control over its territory following the Russian Revolution.

**9. The evacuation of the Balkan Peninsula by all occupying forces:** This was intended to restore sovereignty and stability to the region.

**10. The readjustment of colonial claims in Africa and the settlement of these claims at the Peace Conference:** Wilson advocated for a fair and equitable resolution to colonial disputes.

**11. The advance of self-government for the peoples of the Ottoman Empire:** This point called for the recognition of the rights of various ethnic groups within the empire.

**12. The restoration of the provinces of Alsace-Lorraine to France:** This was a direct response to the pre-war annexation by Germany.

13. A general association of nations: Wilson proposed the creation of an international organization to maintain peace and resolve disputes, which would later become the League of Nations.

**14. The establishment of an independent and autonomous state of Armenia, as well as the autonomous provinces of the Ottoman Empire:** This was an attempt to address the humanitarian crisis in the region and provide for the self-determination of its people.

The Fourteen Points were ambitious and idealistic, and while not all of them were implemented as Wilson envisioned, they did serve as a foundation for the post-war settlement and the establishment of the League of Nations. They also influenced the development of international relations and the concept of collective security in the 20th century.

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The Fourteen Points was a statement of principles for peace that was to be used for peace negotiations in order to end World War I. The principles were outlined in a January 8, 1918 speech on war aims and peace terms to the United States Congress by President Woodrow Wilson.read more >>