Woodrow Wilson
| Woodrow Wilson | |
|---|---|
| File:Woodrow Wilson Presidential Portrait.jpg | |
| Order | 28th President of the United States |
| In office | March 4, 1913 – March 4, 1921 |
| Vice President | Thomas R. Marshall |
| Preceded by | William Howard Taft |
| Succeeded by | Warren G. Harding |
| Born | December 28, 1856 Staunton, Virginia, United States |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ellen Wilson (m. 1885–1914) Edith Wilson (m. 1915–1924) |
| Children | 3 |
| Profession | Academic, lawyer, politician |
| Alma mater | Princeton University University of Virginia Johns Hopkins University |
| Signature | File:Woodrow Wilson Signature.svg |
Thomas Woodrow Wilson (December 28, 1856 – February 3, 1924) was the 28th president of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921. A leader of the Progressive Movement, Wilson led the U.S. through World War I and was a key architect of the League of Nations.
Early Life and Academic Career
Born in Staunton, Virginia, Wilson earned a Ph.D. in political science and served as president of Princeton University. His academic work focused on constitutional government and reform. He later became governor of New Jersey, where he gained national attention for his progressive reforms.
Presidency (1913–1921)
Wilson won the presidency in 1912 and was re-elected in 1916. Domestically, he enacted major progressive reforms including the Federal Reserve Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, and the Federal Trade Commission. His leadership during World War I defined his presidency.
World War I and the League of Nations
Wilson initially kept the U.S. out of World War I but eventually asked Congress for a declaration of war in 1917. After the war, he proposed the Fourteen Points as a framework for peace and championed the creation of the League of Nations. However, the U.S. Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles.
Health and Later Years
Wilson suffered a severe stroke in 1919, which left him partially incapacitated for the remainder of his term. His second wife, Edith Wilson, played a significant role in managing presidential duties during this time.
Legacy
Wilson is remembered as an idealist and reformer, though his presidency is also criticized for his segregationist policies and handling of civil liberties during wartime. Despite mixed views, his influence on international diplomacy and progressive governance remains significant.