Grandiose, Wordy

Wilson combines long, complex sentences with bold proclamations about what is needed for peace. For example, he concludes his point about restoring the nation of Belgium by stating:

Without this healing act the whole structure and validity of international law is forever impaired. (VII.3)

When presidents speak, one expects these sorts of firm statements. But compared to modern speakers, Wilson is waaaay more academic and longwinded. (The guy was a professor—what do you expect?)

He waxes at length about how the world has entered a new period of history:

The day of conquest and aggrandizement is gone by; so is also the day of secret covenants entered into in the interest of particular governments and likely at some unlooked-for moment to upset the peace of the world. (Intro.2)

This is a bold proclamation…wrapped up in an insanely lengthy sentence.

From the style, it's clear that the Fourteen Points were intended for well-educated powerbrokers, not American voters sitting in front of the TV (which, um, wasn't around yet). But again: the guy was used to lecturing to other eggheads in various academic ivory towers. He probably couldn't write a doc without throwing in some SAT words and convoluted sentences.