Woodrow Wilson: A Biography

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Recommended: Woodrow Wilson's Administration and Achievements

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president of the United States, led America through World War I and created the Versailles Treaty's "Fourteen Points," the foremost of which was the “League of Nations”. Wilson also signed the 19th Amendment allowing women the right to vote. Wilson considered himself the representative of the people and believed in creating a new world order of democracy. His ideas led to the philosophy known as “Wilsonianism”. This is a foreign policy which believes peace will prosper if given the right conditions around the world. His drive and belief in ideals is apparent throughout his life, and he is responsible for many of America’s achievements during World War I as well as many mistakes. (Sidey)
Wilson was heavily influenced by his family and war during his young life. His earliest memories were of the Civil War. He would constantly see Union soldiers marching through town, while his mother would tend wounded Confederate soldiers in the local hospital. Many of his later philosophies began at an early age and were heavily influenced by witnessing the poverty and destruction that war brought. Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born on December 28, 1856 in Staunton, Virginia, to parents of a primarily Scottish heritage. Woodrow’s father was a Presbyterian pastor so Woodrow was raised in a very pious and academic environment. Woodrow was taught the skill of oratory at a young age and grew to enjoy it immensely. After high-school, Woodrow spent a year at Davidson College in North Carolina and three at Princeton University where he received a baccalaureate degree in 1879. (Clements)
Wilson’s political career began slowly when he went on to earn his Ph.D. in political science and history at John Hopkins University. His thesis, ...

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...2014. .
Clements, Kendrick. "Miller Center." American President: Woodrow Wilson. University of Virginia, n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. .
Trueman, Chris. "The Lusitania." The Lusitania. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. .
Childress, Alexander. "The Zimmermann Telegram." National Archives and Records Administration. National Archives and Records Administration, n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. .
"Mobilizing a Nation." Boundless. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. .
Gottfried, Paul. Wilsonianism: The Legacy - - That Won't Die. 2nd ed. Vol. IX. N.p.: Journal of Libertarian Studies, n.d. Print.

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