Wilson’s cautious policy did not affect the Polish issue. With the defeat of the Central Powers in November 1918 and with Russia out of the war, the Polish people, with Josef Pilsudski at the lead, took matters into their own hands. They immediately began to create an independent Polish nation. What role did Wilson have with this accomplishment? Wilson’s policy of self-determination and his references to an independent Polish state brought the issue front and center. The ruthlessness of Germany and the revolutions in Russia certainly aided the issue, for the Allies desired to accept any plan to hurt Germany and win the war. The creation of an independent Poland was seen as a means to accomplish this goal.
Wilson promoted Poland but never officially stated this issue as a war aim. The
Thirteenth Point stated an independent Poland should
be created, not must
be
created. The President believed his speeches and efforts had shown his support for a
Polish state. He was anxious to satisfy Paderewski and Polish-Americans. However,
Wilson’s main goal during the war was to keep the country united in support of the war.
Wilson kept to this ideal. Unlike the other Allies, Wilson represented a constituency of
various ethnic interests, many of whom desired the independence of their homelands. To
prevent internal division within the United States, Wilson would not commit the U.S. to
recognize the independence of one nation as a war aim. Wilson knew if one nation
wanted recognition then others would want the same. Such a situation would divide
America. Therefore, the more general policy of self-determination was promoted by
Wilson. In the end, Poland did receive its independence via the Paris Peace Conference,
but not at the expense of wartime unity in the United States. Wilson’s objective had been
achieved.
©2006 Tim Sheehan