What major principle did Woodrow Wilson advocate for in his Fourteen Points?

Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points, presented in January 1918, emphasized the principle of self-determination as a fundamental goal for post-World War I diplomacy. This principle asserts that communities and nations should have the right to determine their own political status and governance. Wilson believed in promoting democracy and allowing nations, especially those under imperial rule or colonial domination, to choose their own paths, contributing to peace and stability.

By advocating for self-determination, Wilson aimed to address the nationalistic aspirations of various ethnic groups and reduce the potential for conflict arising from colonial rule. This was particularly significant in the context of the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires, where many diverse groups sought independence or greater autonomy. Wilson's vision was integral to shaping the post-war order and influencing the creation of new nation-states in Europe and beyond.

The other options, such as military expansion, colonialism, and isolationism, either contradict the ideals presented in the Fourteen Points or do not capture the essence of Wilson’s proposals for a more just and equitable world order.