Woodrow Wilson
1856-1924
Biography
Woodrow Wilson was born in Virginia on December 28th, 1856. He was highly intelligent, eventually earning the position of President of Princeton University. He continued to exemplify his leadership by being elected Governor of New Jersey in 1911. He became President of the United States in 1913 after running as the Democratic candidate. He passed many progressive legislation such as Federal Reserve Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Clayton Antitrust Act. He made promises to keep the United States out of World War I and tried to keep a more isolationist approach. Despite his efforts to remain out of war, Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare pushed Wilson to ask Congress to declare war. Wilson then joined the Allies by loaning them money and sending soldiers through the Selective Service Act. Under his administration, the 19th Amendment was passed granting women the right to vote. At the end of the war, he proposed the Fourteen Points and the formation of the League of Nations, which concluded the Treaty of Versailles. He was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 1919 for his efforts in promoting the League of Nations. On February 3, 1924, Wilson died of stroke and heart related problems.
Wilson as President
Young Woodrow Wilson
Wilson Delivering His Progressive Legislation
Report Card
Leadership - B
Woodrow Wilson led the nation through its first World War. His leadership was admirable considering that he held many leadership positions throughout his life such as the President of Princeton University, Governor of New Jersey, and President of the United States. Wilson kept true to his promise to remain isolationist in WWI, but eventually had to declare war, showing his leadership and decision making capabilities. The downfall to his leadership was the involvement in Mexico when he tried to drive out the Huerta regime, but ultimately had to rely on Latin American powers to mediate the dispute.
Organization - A
Woodrow Wilson managed to get much accomplished in office. He helped pass the 19th Amendment, allowing women the right to vote. Instead of taking trusts to court, he managed to pass legislation such as the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act to regulate business practices. He also passed the Underwood Tariff, which lowered tariff rates. He also passed the Federal Reserve Act created the central banking system which consists of private and public entities. He managed to declare and lead America through a war. He suggested the Fourteen Points and created the League of Nations in an attempt to establish peace.
Professionalism - C
Woodrow Wilson was elected to two terms which showed that people had faith in him to continue to lead the nation. Wilson also tried to keep to his isolationist approach to WWI until he felt it was absolutely necessary to intervene. Wilson's waning health impaired his ability to effectively do his job. He secluded himself in the White House for a period of time and at a point had his wife determining what matters should be delegated or what matters should come to him.
Contributions - A
Woodrow Wilson managed to leave a lasting impression on our nation. He passed the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote. He also created the Federal Reserve, which is still in use today. He reintroduced the spoken State of the Union Address which was out of use since 1801. He promoted the League of Nations which led to the formation of the United Nations which is still around today. Woodrow Wilson managed to make many lasting contributions while in the White House.
Woodrow Wilson | 60-Second Presidents | PBS