What events were happening in the world at the time Wilson gave this speech?

When President Woodrow Wilson delivered his speech advocating for the League of Nations in January 1918, the world was engulfed in World War I, which had been raging since 1914. The war had caused immense loss of life and shifted geopolitical boundaries, leading to widespread calls for peace and stability. Additionally, the Russian Revolution was underway, resulting in significant political changes in Russia and influencing other nations. These events heightened the urgency for international cooperation to prevent future conflicts.