History of Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, was a transformative figure whose political career and presidency helped shape the course of the nation during the early 20th century. Born on December 28, 1856, in Staunton, Virginia, Wilson’s Southern roots and upbringing in a devout Presbyterian household significantly influenced his values and political ideology. An academic by nature, Wilson pursued higher education, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in history and political science from Johns Hopkins University—a rarity among U.S. presidents.

Before his foray into politics, Wilson established himself as a notable academic, teaching at several institutions before becoming the president of Princeton University in 1902. During his tenure, Wilson implemented major educational reforms, championing the idea of a more inclusive and dynamic academic environment. However, his tenure was not without controversy, particularly surrounding his efforts to curtail the power of exclusive upper-class clubs, which led to significant opposition.

In 1910, Wilson transitioned from academia to politics. Backed by New Jersey’s Democratic Party, he won the governorship of the state. As governor, Wilson implemented a series of progressive reforms aimed at tackling issues such as corrupt politics and corporate monopolies, including measures that increased voter influence in elections, regulated public utilities, and introduced social welfare programs.

Wilson’s successful tenure as governor caught national attention, leading to his nomination as the Democratic candidate for the presidency in 1912. The presidential election of 1912 was unusual in that it featured prominent former president Theodore Roosevelt running as a Progressive Party candidate against the incumbent, William Howard Taft, and Wilson. The rift between Taft and Roosevelt split the Republican vote, paving the way for Wilson’s victory.

Wilson’s presidency, spanning from 1913 to 1921, was marked by significant domestic and international achievements as well as controversies. Domestically, Wilson’s administration embarked on a series of progressive reforms collectively known as the “New Freedom.” These reforms aimed to reinvigorate economic competition by dismantling monopolistic corporations. In 1913, the Underwood Tariff Act was enacted, lowering tariffs and, through the 16th Amendment, leading to the establishment of the federal income tax to address the revenue shortfall. This was followed by the Federal Reserve Act, which established a centralized banking system aimed at providing a more elastic money supply and stabilizing the economy.

Further significant pieces of legislation during Wilson’s presidency included the Clayton Antitrust Act, aimed at curbing corporate monopolies, and the Federal Trade Commission Act, which established a commission to regulate business practices. Wilson also sought to improve labor conditions, evident in his signing of the Adamson Act, which established an eight-hour workday for railroad workers.

Internationally, Wilson’s leadership was tested by World War I. Initially, he maintained a stance of neutrality, reflecting the prevalent sentiment among Americans who were wary of entangling the U.S. in a European conflict. However, repeated provocations, including Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram proposing a German-Mexican alliance, shifted public opinion. Consequently, Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany in April 1917, framing it as a campaign to make the world “safe for democracy.”

Wilson’s foresight extended beyond the battlefield; he was deeply involved in shaping the post-war world. In January 1918, he outlined his Fourteen Points, a statement of principles aimed at ensuring lasting peace. The points promoted self-determination, free trade, and, notably, the establishment of a League of Nations, which Wilson believed would prevent future conflicts through collective security and diplomacy.

Despite Wilson’s vision, his efforts faced substantial hurdles at home. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended the war, included the covenant for the League of Nations. However, Wilson encountered fierce opposition from the U.S. Senate, particularly from Republicans who argued that joining the League could entangle the United States in international conflicts without Congressional approval. Unwilling to compromise, Wilson embarked on a national tour to garner public support—a grueling endeavor that resulted in a debilitating stroke in October 1919, rendering him incapacitated for much of the remainder of his presidency. The Senate ultimately rejected the Treaty, marking a significant defeat for Wilson and leaving the League without U.S. participation, which weakened its efficacy.

Wilson’s legacy is complex. On one hand, he was a progressive reformer whose policies redirected the federal government’s role in economic and social matters. On the international stage, he laid the groundwork for a new diplomatic order, despite failing to overcome isolationist tendencies at home. However, his progressive credentials are marred by his regressive racial policies. Wilson presided over the re-segregation of federal offices and screened the racist film “The Birth of a Nation” at the White House, actions that perpetuated racial divisions in America.

In conclusion, Woodrow Wilson the politician was a figure of great ambition and ideals. His presidency reshaped American politics and left an indelible mark on global diplomacy. A man of contradictions, Wilson’s tenure highlights both the possibilities of ambitious governance and the limitations imposed by personal biases and political realities.