POTUS

Woodrow Wilson: A Rundown

Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) was the 28th POTUS, serving from 1913 to 1921. A leader of the Progressivism|Progressive Era, he oversaw significant domestic reforms and led the United States during Allied Powers WWI|World War I. His vision for a peaceful post-war world, embodied in his 2425/apush/ids/u7/Fourteen Points and the 2425/apush/ids/u7/League of Nations, profoundly shaped 20th-century international relations.

Election of 1912: Wilson won the presidency after a split in the Republicans|Republican party between incumbent William Howard Taft and Teddy Roosevelt (as President)|Theodore Roosevelt, who ran on the Bull Moose Party ticket.
“New Freedom” Domestic Policy: Wilson’s domestic agenda aimed at attacking what he termed the “triple wall of privilege”: tariffs, banks, and trusts.
World War I: Initially committed to neutrality, Wilson led the United States into Allied Powers WWI|World War I in 1917 following escalating German Unrestricted Submarine Warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram.
The Fourteen Points: In 1918, Wilson articulated his 2425/apush/ids/u7/Fourteen Points, a plan for post-war peace and a new world order.
2425/apush/ids/u7/Treaty of Versailles and the 2425/apush/ids/u7/League of Nations: Wilson advocated strongly for the 2425/apush/ids/u7/League of Nations at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, but the United States Senate ultimately rejected the 2425/apush/ids/u7/Treaty of Versailles and membership in the 2425/apush/ids/u7/League of Nations.

Underwood Tariff Act (1913): Significantly lowered tariff rates, fulfilling a key campaign promise.
Federal Reserve Act (1913): Established the Federal Reserve System, creating a more stable and flexible monetary system for the United States. Federal Reserve Act
Clayton Antitrust Act (1914): Strengthened antitrust laws and protected labor unions from being classified as trusts.
Federal Trade Commission Act (1914): Created the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate and prevent unfair business practices.
Keating-Owen Act (1916): Prohibited the interstate sale of goods produced by factories employing children under 14; later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Adamson Act (1916): Established an eight-hour workday for railroad workers.

Democrats|Democratic Party: Wilson was a staunch Democrat and progressive reformer.
Progressive Movement: He embraced many goals of the Progressivism|Progressive Movement, seeking to regulate business, protect consumers, and improve social conditions.
Academic Career: Prior to entering politics, Wilson was a professor and president of Princeton University.

Economic Reforms: The Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act significantly reshaped the United States economy, increasing government oversight and regulation.
Progressive Reforms: Wilson’s administration advanced numerous Progressivism|Progressive causes, including lower tariffs, improved labor conditions, and greater consumer protection.
World War I Leadership: Wilson’s leadership during Allied Powers WWI|World War I transformed the United States into a major global power.
Vision for International Peace: His 2425/apush/ids/u7/Fourteen Points and advocacy for the 2425/apush/ids/u7/League of Nations laid the groundwork for future international cooperation, even though the United States ultimately did not join the 2425/apush/ids/u7/League of Nations.
Increased Presidential Power: Wilson expanded the role of the presidency through his active legislative agenda and wartime leadership, setting a precedent for future presidents.
Racial Segregation: Wilson’s record on race relations is controversial. While a Progressivism|Progressive in many respects, his administration oversaw the segregation of federal workplaces and he expressed views that were consistent with the racial biases of the time.