Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson by Pach Bros c1875

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Woodrow Wilson 1902 cph.3b11773

Princeton University Prospect

Woodrow Wilson, New Jersey Governor - 1911

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Woodrow Wilson (December 28, 1856 – February 3, 1924) was the 28th President of the United States, serving two terms from 1913 to 1921. A leader of the Progressive Movement, he was a pivotal figure in the history of American liberalism. Before his presidency, Wilson was the President of Princeton University and later the Governor of New Jersey. His presidency was marked by significant reforms in the areas of economics, politics, and social policy, as well as by the United States' involvement in World War I.

Early Life and Career

Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia, to a family of Scottish and Scotch-Irish descent. He spent his youth in the South during the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War, an experience that shaped his political and academic views. Wilson attended Davidson College before transferring to Princeton University, where he graduated. He went on to attend law school at the University of Virginia for one year and then studied at Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a Ph.D. in political science and history.

Academic Career

Before entering politics, Wilson had a distinguished academic career. He was a professor of political science at various institutions before becoming the president of Princeton University in 1902. During his tenure at Princeton, he initiated several educational reforms, including the introduction of the preceptorial system.

Governor of New Jersey

In 1910, Wilson was elected Governor of New Jersey as a Democrat. His tenure as governor was marked by major progressive reforms in state government and labor legislation.

Presidency

Wilson was elected President of the United States in 1912, running on a platform that promised significant reforms under the banner of the "New Freedom". His presidency saw the enactment of major progressive legislation, including the Federal Reserve Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, and the Federal Trade Commission Act. Wilson also focused on foreign policy, advocating for the principle of self-determination and proposing the League of Nations as part of the Treaty of Versailles.

World War I

Wilson initially kept the United States neutral during World War I. However, in 1917, following repeated German submarine attacks on American vessels, Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany, marking the United States' entry into the conflict. His leadership during the war and his efforts to promote peace through the League of Nations earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office in 1921, Wilson retired from public life. His health had been declining, and he suffered a severe stroke in 1919, which left him partially paralyzed. Wilson died in 1924 in Washington, D.C. His presidency is often cited for its influence on the modern American state and its role in shaping international relations.

Wilson's legacy is complex; he is praised for his leadership during World War I and his vision for international peace but criticized for his policies on race relations and civil liberties. 0