Woodrow Wilson, a leader of the Progressive Movement, was the 28th President of the United States (1913-1921). After a policy of neutrality at the outbreak of World War I, Wilson led America into the war in order to “make the world safe for democracy.” His vision for a post-war world included the formation of the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at promoting peace and preventing future conflicts.
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Wilson experienced the Civil War in his youth. Born on December 28, 1856 in Virginia, young Thomas Woodrow Wilson was present in Georgia when Union troops marched through the state on their way to the Battle of Gettysburg. This early exposure to the realities of war would shape Wilson’s outlook on international relations later in life.
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Despite his progressive policies and internationalist outlook, Woodrow Wilson’s legacy is marred by his support for racial segregation and discrimination. As President, he enabled segregation and vile treatment of Black federal workers, setting back civil rights progress in the United States.
The Wilson House, near Strabane, County Tyrone, was the home of James Wilson, grandfather of the president. The house is now owned by the Ulster Historical Foundation and serves as a reminder of the president’s ancestral roots in Ireland.
In 1930, Princeton established the School of Public and International Affairs, a small interdisciplinary undergraduate program, reflecting Wilson’s commitment to education and public service.
A provocatively titled opinion piece about a former United States president known to have racist views has triggered a backlash from social media users, sparking a debate about how history should remember figures like Woodrow Wilson.
Despite his accomplishments in office, including the passage of progressive legislation and his efforts to promote international cooperation, Wilson’s controversial views on race and segregation have led to a reevaluation of his legacy in recent years.
Woodrow Wilson was born on December 28, 1856 in Staunton, Virginia, to parents of a predominantly Scottish heritage. His upbringing in the South and his experiences during the Civil War would influence his political beliefs and actions as President.
'Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, is largely remembered as a great leader,' the author writes, highlighting the complexities of Wilson’s presidency and the ongoing debate over his place in history.
RACHEL MARTIN, HOST: The United States has never had a female president, at least not officially. Are you intrigued? Yes, you should be, as the discussion of presidential leadership and representation continues to evolve.
Woodrow Wilson’s presidency marked a pivotal moment in American history, with lasting impacts on domestic policy, international relations, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the United States.
