10 fun and interesting Woodrow Wilson facts

1. Unparalleled Progressivism

Woodrow Wilson, born on December 28, 1856, was an American statesman and academic who served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. He was a leader of the Progressive Movement, and during his presidency, he oversaw the passage of progressive legislative policies unparalleled until the New Deal in 1933. Wilson died on February 3, 1924, leaving behind a legacy of progressive reform and a foreign policy marked by his Fourteen Points.

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2. Progressive Leader Who Made a Difference

Woodrow Wilson was a prominent leader of the Progressive Movement, and his career in public service began with his appointment as President of Princeton University in 1902. During his eight-year tenure, he implemented a number of reforms to modernize the university, including introducing the elective system and expanding the faculty. After leaving Princeton, Wilson was elected Governor of New Jersey in 1911, where he continued to champion progressive causes, such as introducing a state income tax and creating a public utilities commission. He served as Governor until 1913, when he was elected President of the United States.

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3. A Remarkable President

In 1912, Woodrow Wilson was elected President of the United States in a three-way race against William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt, the latter of whom was a former President. Wilson's victory was a remarkable feat, as he was up against two formidable opponents with extensive political experience. Nevertheless, Wilson's campaign was successful, and he was sworn in as the 28th President of the United States in March 1913.

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4. A Highly Effective President

Woodrow Wilson was a highly effective president, pushing through a legislative agenda that few have matched. He convinced a Democratic Congress to pass a range of progressive reforms, including the Federal Trade Commission Act, Federal Reserve Act, Federal Farm Loan Act, Clayton Antitrust Act and an income tax. These reforms had a lasting impact on the US economy and society, and are still in place today.

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5. From Opponent to Advocate for Women's Suffrage

At first, Woodrow Wilson was not in favor of women's suffrage, but after facing immense public pressure, he realized that it was politically risky to oppose it. Consequently, he became a major advocate for the cause, and his support was instrumental in the passing of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.

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6. Racist Liberal Visionary

Woodrow Wilson was a modern liberal visionary in terms of domestic race relations, yet his thoughts and politics were deeply rooted in racism. He was unapologetic in his views, and seemed to be quite comfortable with his prejudiced outlook. His policies, such as the segregation of federal offices, were a reflection of his beliefs, and his refusal to support anti-lynching legislation further demonstrated his disregard for the rights of African Americans.

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7. Woodrow Wilson's "He kept us out of war" slogan almost successful

Woodrow Wilson was almost re-elected in 1916, and his second term campaign was based around the slogan, "He kept us out of war". This slogan was a testament to Wilson's commitment to keeping the United States out of World War I, a conflict that had already been raging in Europe for two years. Despite his efforts, the United States eventually entered the war in April 1917, and Wilson's slogan was rendered moot.

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8. A Religious Man Who Believed in Service

Woodrow Wilson was a deeply religious man, a Presbyterian who believed in the gospel of service. His strong moral convictions led him to become an ardent internationalist, and his beliefs and actions have come to be known as "Wilsonian". His internationalism was based on a strong sense of morality, and he believed that the world should be united in a spirit of service and cooperation.

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9. Wilsonianism: America's Foreign Policy Tradition

Woodrow Wilson's foreign policy, known as Wilsonianism, has been a major driving force in American foreign policy since its inception. It calls for the United States to take a more active role in the world showground, advocating for democracy and taking a combative stance against those who oppose it. This policy has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy for over a century, and has been used to shape the international landscape in a variety of ways.

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10. Woodrow Wilson Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Woodrow Wilson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for his tireless efforts in support of the League of Nations. His commitment to the cause of international peace and security was unwavering, and his dedication to the League of Nations was instrumental in its establishment. Wilson's Nobel Prize was a testament to his commitment to the cause of world peace and his belief in the power of international cooperation.