Final answer:
Woodrow Wilson's moral diplomacy influenced U.S. foreign policy and the post-World War I global order; his vision aimed for moral imperatives over imperialistic ones. Despite this, practical politics led him to intervene in Latin America and join WWI. His legacy includes his Fourteen Points and the League of Nations concept.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impact of Woodrow Wilson's moral diplomacy philosophy was significant in shaping both American foreign policy and global diplomatic relations during his presidency. Wilson had envisioned a foreign policy centered on moral imperatives, as opposed to the imperialistic tendencies of his predecessors. His administration was marked by a tension between his idealistic vision and the practical demands of global politics, most notably in the context of World War I.
Woodrow Wilson's Foreign Policy Philosophy
Initially, Wilson sought a less interventionist role for the United States in world affairs. He endorsed a foreign policy guided by moral principles and sought to involve the nation internationally only when morally necessary. This idealistic approach, however, often clashed with practical realities. Wilson intervened in South and Central American countries, just like earlier, more interventionist presidents. Despite his reluctance, he sent troops to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, often to protect American interests.
America's Involvement in World War I
Wilson's principle of neutrality meant maintaining trade with all belligerents of World War I, up to the point where German war tactics and interference with American commerce compelled Wilson to reconsider. Eventually, he led America into the war, justifying the decision with the need to uphold moral standards and assure free trade. The outcome was a significant shift towards a more prominent international role for the United States, and Wilson's postwar Fourteen Points sought to institutionalize his vision of moral diplomacy for global governance.
The Paris Peace Conference and the League of Nations
At the war's end, Wilson's influence peaked. The Paris Peace Conference and the establishment of the League of Nations were his opportunities to implement his principles. His Fourteen Points, advocating self-determination and open diplomacy among nations, were designed to lead to a more just and peaceful world order—though in the end, the U.S. Congress did not ratify the Treaty of Versailles, nor did the United States join the League.