... speech claimed German aggression had become a "challenge to all mankind"1 and that this selfish and autocratic power had to be dealt with in order to "vindicate the principles of peace and justice in the life of the world"2. He went on to say that America would fight for the rights of nations to choose their way of life and have full democracy. In light of this speech many scholars went on to class Wilson as a "romantic moralist, who...raised every issue and conflict to a high stage"3, too idealistic to consider practical issues in foreign relations. However recent scholars like Daniel Smith have argued that it was possible for Wilson to take this moral view coupled with practical considerations. America was in itself a "satisfied power seeking no additional territory"4 and therefore this minimised clashes between abstract and practical ideas. Wilson therefore was able to put forward his ideals ...

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