Woodrow Wilson

On March 4, 1913, Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated as the 28th President of the United States. Wilson, a former president of Princeton University and Governor of New Jersey, ran as the Democratic candidate and won the election of 1912. He brought with him a progressive agenda, focusing on issues such as antitrust legislation, banking reform, and tariff reduction. His presidency marked a shift towards more activist government intervention in economic affairs.

World War I began on July 28, 1914, after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. The war involved many of the world's great powers and was largely centered in Europe. At the time, Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States, and he initially adopted a policy of neutrality, reflecting the isolationist tendencies of the country. Wilson maintained this stance for a substantial part of the war until the U.S. eventually entered the conflict in 1917.

On November 7, 1916, Woodrow Wilson was re-elected President of the United States, defeating Republican candidate Charles Evans Hughes. Wilson's campaign slogan was 'He kept us out of war,' reflecting his efforts to maintain American neutrality in World War I. His re-election was seen as an endorsement of his domestic policies and his approach to foreign affairs amidst the ongoing global conflict. However, despite his initial campaign message, the U.S. entered World War I the following year.

On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany, marking a shift in U.S. policy from neutrality to active involvement in World War I. Wilson's decision was influenced by Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram, which revealed a German proposal for a military alliance with Mexico against the United States. The declaration of war was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, aligning the country with the Allies in World War I.

On January 8, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson delivered a speech to Congress outlining his Fourteen Points, a set of principles for peace that were to be used for peace negotiations in order to end World War I. The speech was significant as it proposed ideas such as the reduction in armaments, the reestablishment of sovereignty for nations occupied during the war, and the formation of a League of Nations to ensure world peace. The Fourteen Points outlined Wilson's vision for a peaceful world after the war.

The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, marking the official end of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson played a key role in the negotiations, particularly advocating for the establishment of the League of Nations, which was included in the treaty. However, the treaty imposed harsh reparations on Germany and redrew national boundaries, leading to controversy and eventual dissatisfaction. Despite Wilson's efforts, the U.S. Senate later rejected joining the League of Nations, hindering Wilson's vision for international peacekeeping.

On November 19, 1919, the United States Senate voted against ratifying the Treaty of Versailles, which had been signed by President Woodrow Wilson earlier that year. The treaty had included the establishment of the League of Nations, a key component of Wilson's post-war vision. However, due to opposition led by Republican Senator Henry Cabot Lodge and concerns about American sovereignty, the treaty failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the Senate. This rejection was a significant setback for Wilson and his internationalist ambitions.

On October 2, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a severe stroke that left him incapacitated for the remaining years of his presidency. His wife, Edith Wilson, effectively took over many of his duties and became a de facto steward of his presidency. Wilson's stroke and subsequent disability were initially hidden from the public. The episode raised significant issues regarding presidential disability and succession, as there were no clear protocols in place at the time to address such circumstances.

On November 2, 1920, Warren G. Harding was elected as the 29th President of the United States, succeeding Woodrow Wilson. Harding ran a campaign promising a return to 'normalcy,' contrasting with Wilson's internationalist and progressive policies. This election marked the end of Wilson's presidency and a shift in American politics towards Republican control and isolationist policies following the First World War and the contested Treaty of Versailles debates that dominated Wilson's final years in office.

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, passed away on February 3, 1924. Wilson's life had been marked by significant accomplishments, including his leadership during World War I and his efforts to establish the League of Nations. Despite these achievements, his later years were overshadowed by health issues and political challenges, including the resistance to his post-war plans. Wilson's death was a moment to reflect on his complex legacy, both domestically and on the international stage.