Which event illustrates the limits of Wilson's Moral Diplomacy?

The event that best illustrates the limits of Wilson's Moral Diplomacy is the use of military force in Mexico. This policy was based on the idea that the U.S. should promote democracy and moral governance abroad. However, when faced with the complexities of the Mexican Revolution and the unstable situation under President Venustiano Carranza, Wilson resorted to military intervention rather than purely diplomatic solutions.

Specifically, Wilson's decision to send troops into Mexico in pursuit of revolutionary leader Pancho Villa represented a significant departure from his idealistic vision. It showed that when U.S. interests were at stake, or when there was a perceived threat to stability in the region, he was willing to engage in military action rather than adhere strictly to the principles of moral diplomacy. This illustrates the pragmatic limitations of his approach — the reality of international relations often necessitated actions that contradicted his moralistic ideals.

While other events like the U.S. intervention in Panama and the annexation of Hawaii reflect U.S. imperial ambitions, they occurred prior to Wilson's presidency. The negotiation of the Treaty of Versailles, although significant, was more about ending World War I than about demonstrating the limits of moral diplomacy in a regional context.