As the Great War drew to a close, the international community struggled to formulate and agree upon a comprehensive treaty. Central Empires proudly refused to give up the territory that they had gained during the war, but feared retribution for their actions. Members of the Allied Powers, particularly Great Britain and France, were eager to punish Germany. President Woodrow Wilson of the United States seemed to take the most moderate, though idealistic, approach to the issue of drafting a resolution. He advocated for fourteen basic points. He called for an end to secret to alliances and an enforcement of free seas and free trade. Wishing to protect national sovereignty, he also advised that armaments be reduced in all nations and that Poland, the Balkins, and areas in the Ottoman Empire be allowed to develop indepenedently, among others. Wilson's main point was the necessity of a League of Nations that would mediate international issues. This international body would ensure that issues were solved diplomatically and would not escalate into global wars. Ultimately, Wilson would be forced to heed to the desires of France and Germany. As a result, most of his points were disregarded. Wilson was willing to see his points thrown away as long as the League of Nations was established. Though the United States never participated in this body, Wilson compromised on this point.
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