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The Chronicle’s front page from Oct. 9, 1918, covers armistice terms preceding the end of World War I.
Photo: The Chronicle 1918

The president made his “14 Points,” then he helped end the Great War with this statement.

The Chronicle’s front page from Oct. 9, 1918, covers President Woodrow Wilson’s response to Germany’s request for a World War I armistice.

“President Wilson today informed the German government that before the United States can discuss an armistice German troops must withdraw from all invaded territory,” the story read. “He asked Chancellor Maximilian whether he represented the German people or the authorities of the empire who are conducting the war.”

Wilson, depicted on the front page standing tall in the middle of the story, had made his famous “14 Points” speech for peace in January 1918, and this response served to lay the groundwork for the pact to end the war in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

In precise language, Wilson’s order made it clear the U.S. would not negotiate the war’s end without Germany’s retreat to its native land. This proved vital to put an end to the fighting.

“The president feels bound to say,” the statement read, “with regard to the suggestion of an armistice, that he would not feel at liberty to propose a cessation of arms to the governments with which the government of the United States is associated against the central powers, so long as the armies of those powers are upon their soil.

“The good faith of any discussion would manifestly depend upon the consent of the central powers immediately to withdraw their forces everywhere from invaded territory.”