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20th & 21st Century US History

The legacy of Woodrow Wilson

Thomas Woodrow Wilson, better known as Woodrow Wilson, was the ultimate altruist. His vision for world peace through a League of Nations would never manifest. History has very high regard for President Wilson; he was a man with extremely high principles and very high regard for peace and progress. To his chagrin, he would encounter an obstacle many philosophers of peace believe can be overcome with contentment: human nature.

American history teachings tend to regard the Treaty of Versailles as a tremendous peace settlement which would have worked had other countries, and our own Congress, done what they agreed to do. History disregards Keynes' prompt departure from participation. Wilson is reputed to have felt he lied to the American people when Congress failed to back him. That suggests to me that he, too, felt the treaty was going to blow up.

So how much blame can one place upon a man who was so truly desirous of world peace? His historical legacy places little blame on him; however, he seemed to place blame on himself. Historical teachings seem to conflict with Wilson's own feelings, and the consequences of the Versailles Treaty.

Woodrow Wilson was the president of Princeton University before becoming the governor of New Jersey in 1910. He was the Democratic nominee for president two years later. While this may seem like a meteoric climb within the party, Grover Cleveland had been the only Democrat elected since the civil war until then. The Republicans had a stronghold on the White House for four successive terms.

Then a significant event occurred that would change the election landscape. America's Teddy Bear had roared back from his hibernation to seek the Republican nomination over his selected successor, William H. Taft, who he regarded as disappointing. When Roosevelt failed to get the Republican nomination, he formed the Bull Moose Party and finished second in the race, with Taft finishing third. So, even though Wilson could likely not have defeated either opponent (he received 42% of the votes), he was able to defeat both because of the split loyalties.

President Wilson successfully sought anti-trust and worker protection legislation. He was also successful in reducing tariffs and graduating income tax.

He was re-elected by a narrow margin in 1916 emphasizing "he kept us out of war," and continued his ways of diplomacy. However, the world exploded into war for the United States in 1917. Wilson provided supplies and personnel,


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The legacy of Woodrow Wilson

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    by Stan Dyer

    "He kept us out of War" was the slogan that helped Woodrow Wilson win a second term as President while a great Wo... read more

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    by Tom Koecke

    Thomas Woodrow Wilson, better known as Woodrow Wilson, was the ultimate altruist. His vision for world peace through ... read more

  • 3 of 5

    by Jerry Curtis

    President Woodrow Wilson left office a broken and defeated man. Unable to gain Senate support for America's participa... read more

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