Biography
Overview
Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) was the 28th U.S. President, leading the nation through World War I and seeking to reshape the international order. A former Princeton University president, Wilson’s first term saw landmark progressive reforms, including the creation of the Federal Reserve. Despite initially campaigning on neutrality, he led the U.S. into the Great War in 1917 to 'make the world safe for democracy.'
His 'Fourteen Points' championed self-determination, open diplomacy, and a League of Nations. However, his idealism faced harsh realities at the Paris Peace Conference and fatal political resistance at home. Wilson suffered a stroke while campaigning for the Treaty of Versailles, which the Senate ultimately rejected. His legacy is complex, marked by profound international vision and significant domestic blind spots, particularly regarding racial segregation, yet his ideas fundamentally anticipated the modern United Nations.
Woodrow Wilson’s world, year by year
18561924
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Dated facts
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- 1856Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia, on December 28, 1856.
- 1902He earned a PhD in history and political science from Johns Hopkins University and became president of Princeton University in 1902.
- 1911He was governor of New Jersey from 1911 to 1913 and the 28th president of the United States, a Democrat, from 1913 to 1921.
- 1913In 1913 he secured the Revenue Act, which began a federal income tax, and the Federal Reserve Act.
- 1917In April 1917 he asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany.
- 1918On January 8, 1918, he set out his war aims in the Fourteen Points speech.
- 1919He was awarded the 1919 Nobel Peace Prize for founding the League of Nations, and suffered a disabling stroke in October 1919.
- 1924He died on February 3, 1924, aged 67.
Alive at the same time
Overlap Same years; not influence
Wars during this life
- World War I
- Dutch–Aceh War
- Somaliland Campaign (Dervish War)
- Mahdist War
- Panthay Rebellion
- Dungan Revolt
Sources
Primary works and follow-on reading.
Primary Sources
- Fourteen Points Address (1918)
- Paris Peace Conference papers
- Presidential messages and correspondence
- Reference profile for Woodrow Wilson
Further Reading
- Woodrow Wilson - John Milton Cooper Jr.
- Paris 1919 - Margaret MacMillan
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Woodrow Wilson.
Who was Woodrow Wilson?
Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) was the 28th U.S. President, leading the nation through World War I and seeking to reshape the international order. A former Princeton University president, Wilson’s first term saw landmark progressive reforms, including the creation of the Federal Reserve. Despite initially campaigning on neutrality, he led the U.S. into the Great War in 1917 to 'make the world safe for democracy.' His 'Fourteen Points' championed self-determination, open diplomacy, and a League of Nations. However, his idealism faced harsh realities at the Paris Peace Conference and fatal political resistance at home. Wilson suffered a stroke while campaigning for the Treaty of Versailles, which the Senate ultimately rejected. His legacy is complex, marked by profound international vision and significant domestic blind spots, particularly regarding racial segregation, yet his ideas fundamentally anticipated the modern United Nations.
What was Woodrow Wilson best known for?
Woodrow Wilson is best known as a ruler. American scholar-president who led the U.S. in WWI and championed the League of Nations and self-determination
When did Woodrow Wilson live?
Woodrow Wilson lived 1856-1924 CE, born in 1856 and died in 1924, during the modern period.
Can I chat with an AI version of Woodrow Wilson?
Yes, free. Anyone can ask Woodrow Wilson, and a first question needs no account. Every answer is a Simulation in character, grounded in Woodrow Wilson’s real life, work and era. A good first question is: "Why did you believe that a League of Nations could succeed where balance-of-power diplomacy had failed?"
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- Institution Design: From principles to workable charters
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- Walk me through what went wrong at Paris and whether you could have gotten a better treaty.
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- Looking back, would accepting the Lodge reservations have been better than seeing the treaty rejected entirely?
- How did your progressive reforms at home relate to your vision for reforming international relations?
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