Lecture Notes: Woodrow Wilson - A Complex Legacy

Introduction

• Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States.
• Elected in 1912 on a progressive platform.
• Known for both his significant achievements and controversial decisions.

Early Life

• Born December 28, 1856, into a family of northern southerners.
• Childhood influenced by the Civil War and reconstruction.
• Father: Reverend Joseph Ruggles Wilson, a Confederate army chaplain.
• Education: Influenced by ex-Confederate soldiers and southern ideals.

Academic Career

• President of Princeton University in 1902.
• Known for his progressive reforms and authoritarian style.
• Instrumental in preventing black students from enrolling.

Political Rise

• 1910: Became Governor of New Jersey, challenging machine politics.
• Known for anti-corruption measures and progressive reforms.
• Won the 1912 Democratic nomination; platform included breaking monopolies and introducing a federal income tax.

Presidency (1913-1921)

Domestic Policies

• Work: Supported 8-hour workday, tackled child labor.
• Money: Established the Federal Reserve and federal income tax.
• Business: Loathed monopolies, introduced tariff reform, anti-trust laws, and the Federal Trade Commission.
• Race: Re-segregation of federal departments, sacked black supervisors, supported segregation.

Foreign Policy

• Advocated neutrality in WWI.
• Involved in foreign military interventions: Mexico, Haiti, Dominican Republic.
• 1917: Entered WWI due to German provocations.

WWI and Aftermath

• Centralized power, nationalized industries, introduced the draft.
• Segregated military units.
• Repression through Espionage and Sedition Acts.
• Key role in Allied victory but marred by civil liberties suppression.

Post-War Efforts

• Proponent of the League of Nations.
• Failed to secure U.S. membership due to opposition and compromise refusal.

Legacy

• Mixed historical reputation.
• Noted for progressive domestic reforms and international influence.
• Criticized for racism, civil liberties suppression, and aggressive foreign policy.

Conclusion

• Woodrow Wilson's presidency remains a contentious topic, reflecting both significant achievements and profound failures.
• His legacy is seen differently across regions and issues, making him a complex historical figure.