We have no jealousy of German greatness, and there is nothing in this programme that impairs it. We grudge her no achievement or distinction of learning or of pacific enterprise such as have made her record very bright and very enviable. We do not wish to injure her or to block in any way her legitimate influence or power. We do not wish to fight her either with arms or with hostile arrangements of trade if she is willing to associate herself with us and the other peace-loving nations of the world in covenants of justice and law and fair dealing. We wish her only to accept a place of equality among the peoples of the world, – the new world in which we now live, – instead of a place of mastery. –“Fourteen Points,”
President Woodrow Wilson,
January 8, 1918

Which statement best explains Wilson’s position on Germany?
a ) Germany should not be made to suffer in order to bring about peace.
b ) Germany should be prevented from exerting any influence in the future.
c ) Germany should be punished for starting World War I.
d ) Germany has been unfairly blamed for its role in the war.