LAD #31: Wilson's 14 Points

He scares me.



The 14-point plan outlined by US President Woodrow Wilson after World War I's conclusion were focused on creating open and direct peace agreements between belligerents. He points out that the US only entered the war because their interests and the interests of their people were in danger, and they are only interested in making sure the people of the world are safe. This is reflected in his points, which call for, in order:

1. Open covenants of peace
2. Freedom of the seas
3. Equality of trade conditions between nations
4. Reduction of national armaments (not of any specific country, rather of all belligerents)
5. Impartial adjustment of colonial claims
6. Evacuation of Russian territory
7. Evacuation and restoration of Belgium
8. Freedom of French territory and settlement of prior conflicts
9. Readjustment of the frontiers of Italy
10. Austro-Hungarian freedom of autonomy
11. Independence of the Balkan states
12. Autonomy of Ottoman-controlled nationalities
13. Creation of an Independent Polish State
14. Association of nations formed to affirm mutual guarantees of independence and integrity

Many of Wilson's points focused on peace talks, allowing smaller nations to gain autonomy, and the general demilitarization of all world powers. However, this was challenged by Britain and France, who wanted heavy reparations to be paid by Germany for the destruction of the war. These reparation payments would breed further hostility in Europe and set the stage for World War II.

LAD #30: Schenck v. United States

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. a.k.a. "The Mustache"



In 1918, Charles Schenck, a leader of the Socialist Party in Philadelphia, was brought before the Supreme Court after mailing out pamphlets to draftees during World War I urging them to resist the draft. Schenck was strongly opposed to the draft, believing it to be motivated by capitalism, and told the draftees not to submit to US intimidation. Since he was obstructing recruitment into the US military and trying to cause insubordination, Schenck was charged with conspiracy to violate the Espionage Act of 1917, which prohibited either of these acts. Although free speech and free press are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution, the court unanimously found Schenck guilty, as he was in direct violation of this act. Justice Oliver W. Holmes Jr. claimed that if words prove to provide a "clear and present danger" to the United States or its people, they should be protected from that danger.