50 Facts About President Woodrow Wilson

Early Life and Education

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, had a fascinating life before his presidency. Here are some intriguing facts about his early years and education.

1. Born on December 28, 1856, in Staunton, Virginia, Wilson was the third of four children.
2. His full name was Thomas Woodrow Wilson, but he dropped "Thomas" early in life.
3. Wilson's father was a Presbyterian minister, which influenced his strict upbringing.
4. He struggled with dyslexia as a child but overcame it through determination.
5. Wilson attended Davidson College in North Carolina for a year before transferring.
6. He graduated from Princeton University in 1879, where he was an active debater.
7. Wilson earned a law degree from the University of Virginia but never practiced law.
8. He completed his Ph.D. in political science at Johns Hopkins University, making him the only U.S. president with a Ph.D.

Academic Career

Before entering politics, Wilson had a successful academic career. His contributions to education and political science were significant.

9. Wilson taught at Bryn Mawr College, a women's college in Pennsylvania.
10. He later joined the faculty at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
11. In 1890, Wilson became a professor at Princeton University, his alma mater.
12. He published several influential books on government and politics.
13. Wilson's most famous work, "Congressional Government," critiqued the U.S. political system.
14. He served as president of Princeton University from 1902 to 1910.
15. During his tenure, he reformed the curriculum and introduced the preceptorial system.
16. Wilson's academic reforms faced resistance but ultimately modernized Princeton.

Political Rise

Wilson's transition from academia to politics was swift and impactful. His political career began in New Jersey.

17. In 1910, Wilson was elected Governor of New Jersey.
18. As governor, he implemented progressive reforms, including workers' compensation.
19. Wilson's success in New Jersey caught the attention of national Democratic leaders.
20. He secured the Democratic nomination for president in 1912.
21. Wilson won the 1912 presidential election, defeating incumbent William Howard Taft and former President Theodore Roosevelt.
22. His victory was partly due to the split in the Republican Party between Taft and Roosevelt.

Presidency and Domestic Policies

Wilson's presidency was marked by significant domestic reforms and challenges. Here are some key facts about his time in office.

23. Wilson's "New Freedom" platform focused on antitrust legislation, banking reform, and tariff reductions.
24. He signed the Federal Reserve Act in 1913, creating the Federal Reserve System.
25. The Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 strengthened antitrust laws and protected labor unions.
26. Wilson established the Federal Trade Commission to prevent unfair business practices.
27. He supported the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
28. Wilson's administration passed the Revenue Act of 1913, lowering tariffs and introducing a federal income tax.

World War I and Foreign Policy

Wilson's leadership during World War I and his efforts to shape post-war peace were defining aspects of his presidency.

29. Wilson initially kept the U.S. neutral during World War I.
30. In 1917, he asked Congress to declare war on Germany, citing unrestricted submarine warfare.
31. Wilson's famous "Fourteen Points" outlined his vision for post-war peace.
32. He played a key role in the creation of the League of Nations, an international peacekeeping organization.
33. Despite his efforts, the U.S. Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles, keeping the U.S. out of the League of Nations.
34. Wilson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for his efforts to promote peace.

Personal Life and Legacy

Wilson's personal life and legacy continue to be subjects of interest and debate. Here are some lesser-known facts about his life outside politics.

35. Wilson married Ellen Axson in 1885, and they had three daughters.
36. Ellen died in 1914, during Wilson's first term as president.
37. In 1915, Wilson married Edith Bolling Galt, who became an influential First Lady.
38. Wilson suffered a severe stroke in 1919, which left him partially paralyzed.
39. Edith Wilson played a significant role in managing his affairs during his recovery.
40. Wilson retired to Washington, D.C., after leaving office in 1921.
41. He died on February 3, 1924, and was buried at the Washington National Cathedral.

Controversies and Criticisms

Wilson's presidency was not without controversy. His policies and actions have been scrutinized and criticized over the years.

42. Wilson re-segregated federal offices, reversing progress made during Reconstruction.
43. His administration's Espionage Act and Sedition Act limited free speech during World War I.
44. Wilson's handling of the 1919 Red Scare led to widespread fear and civil liberties violations.
45. Critics argue that his idealism in foreign policy was unrealistic and contributed to future conflicts.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond his political and academic achievements, Wilson had some interesting quirks and hobbies.

46. Wilson was an avid golfer and often played to relieve stress.
47. He enjoyed riding horses and was known for his equestrian skills.
48. Wilson was a fan of detective stories and often read them in his spare time.
49. He was the first president to hold regular press conferences.
50. Wilson's face appears on the $100,000 bill, which was used only for transactions between Federal Reserve Banks.

The Legacy of Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson's presidency left a lasting impact on American history. His leadership during World War I and his efforts to establish the League of Nations showcased his commitment to global peace. Domestically, Wilson's progressive reforms, like the Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act, aimed to create a fairer economy. However, his administration's stance on racial segregation and civil rights remains a controversial aspect of his legacy.

Wilson's complex character and policies continue to spark debate among historians. His vision for a more just world, coupled with his flaws, paints a nuanced picture of a leader who shaped the 20th century. Understanding Wilson's presidency helps us appreciate the challenges and triumphs of that era. His story reminds us that leaders are multifaceted, and their legacies are often a mix of achievements and shortcomings.