Which statement about Wilson's Fourteen Points is accurate regarding freedom of the seas?

• A. Freedom of navigation on the seas for all nations
• B. Naval dominance by a single power
• C. Prohibition of all naval ships
• D. Seas to be controlled by the victorious side

Answer: (B)

Freedom of the seas means oceans should be open to ships from all nations, with no one country able to block or monopolize sea lanes. Wilson’s idea was that open navigation would reduce economic conflict and help ensure peaceful trade among nations, even during wartime. This stands in contrast to notions of naval dominance by a single power, which would give one country control over important routes and revive power politics and coercion. It also avoids the impractical and punitive ideas of banning all ships or letting the victorious side dictate who can sail where. In short, the principle is about universal, unobstructed access to the seas for all nations, not control by any one nation.