Woodrow Wilson (1856 – 1924) was the 28th president of the United States (1913 – 1921) and a key figure in shaping modern American and international policy. A leader of the Progressive Era, he introduced major economic reforms and led the country through World War I, later championing the League of Nations.
Born in Virginia, Wilson studied political science and earned a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University, making him the only U.S. president with a doctorate. He taught at Princeton University, becoming its president in 1902, before serving as governor of New Jersey (1911 – 1913). His success in enacting progressive policies propelled him to the presidency in 1912.
As president, Wilson implemented significant reforms, including the Federal Reserve Act (1913) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914). Initially advocating neutrality in World War I, he led the U.S. into the conflict in 1917, shaping the postwar peace process with his Fourteen Points. His vision for the League of Nations, though rejected by the U.S. Senate, laid the groundwork for modern international diplomacy.
After suffering a stroke in 1919, Wilson’s presidency weakened, and he left office in 1921. He died in 1924, leaving a complex legacy – praised for progressive reforms and internationalism but criticized for segregationist policies. His influence on global politics endures.