Woodrow Wilson

Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia to Jessie Janet Woodrow and Joseph Ruggles Wilson.

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, was born on December 28, 1856.

Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia to Reverend Joseph Ruggles Wilson and Janet Woodrow Wilson.

At the age of 10, Woodrow Wilson continued to suffer from dyslexia, which affected his ability to read. This early struggle with dyslexia would later shape his approach to education and leadership.

The Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing African Americans the right to vote, is ratified.

In 1873, the Wilson family relocated to Columbia, South Carolina.

Wilson’s family moves to Wilmington, North Carolina.

Woodrow Wilson enrolls in Princeton University for his higher education.

A Constitutional amendment is introduced in Congress to grant women the right to vote. The wording of the amendment remains unchanged for 41 years until it finally passes in both houses.

Woodrow Wilson completes his legal education by graduating from law school at the University of Virginia, further preparing himself for a career in law and politics.

Woodrow Wilson establishes a law practice with Edward Renick in Atlanta, demonstrating his commitment to pursuing a career in law. However, he discontinues their partnership the following year to focus on his political and governmental aspirations.

Wilson meets Ellen Axson and becomes engaged to her later that year.

The Wilsons’ youngest child, Eleanor, is born.

Woodrow Wilson marries Ellen Axson in Savannah, Georgia.

Woodrow and Ellen Wilson welcome their first child, a daughter named Margaret.

Woodrow Wilson's essay 'The Study of Administration' is a significant work that laid the foundation for the study of public administration in the United States. It emphasized the need for a scientific approach to public administration and the importance of trained civil servants.

Wilson begins teaching at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.

In 1889, Woodrow Wilson published The State: Elements of Historical and Practical Politics in Boston. The book delved into the historical and practical aspects of politics.

Woodrow Wilson is appointed as a full professor at Princeton University, marking a significant milestone in his academic career.

The book 'George Washington' was published in 1896. It is a notable work that provides insights into the life of George Washington.

In 1902, Woodrow Wilson assumed the position of President at Princeton University, marking the beginning of his impactful tenure at the institution.

Joseph Ruggles Wilson, the father of Woodrow Wilson, passes away, impacting the personal life of the future U.S. president.

Woodrow Wilson experiences vision loss in one eye due to high blood pressure, leading to medical advice for retirement and a quiet life, impacting his future political career.

Woodrow Wilson published a book titled A History of the American People in 1908.

Woodrow Wilson accepts the nomination of the Democratic Party and is elected governor of New Jersey, marking the beginning of his political career.

In 1910, Woodrow Wilson was persuaded to run for Governor of New Jersey by conservative Democrats. During the campaign, he asserted his independence by endorsing a progressive platform, which he pursued as governor.

Woodrow Wilson's presidential campaign took place from June 25, 1912, to July 2, 1912.

The Democratic National Convention in Baltimore nominates New Jersey Governor Woodrow Wilson for President after 46 ballots, as the Democrats still required a 2/3 majority for nomination. Indiana Governor Thomas R. Marshall was nominated for the Vice-Presidency.

Woodrow Wilson formally accepts the Democratic nomination for President at his summer home in Sea Girt, New Jersey.

On Election Day, Woodrow Wilson wins 81.9% of the Electoral College and 41.8% of the popular vote, defeating Republican incumbent William Howard Taft and former President Theodore Roosevelt running for the Progressive Party.

Woodrow Wilson was elected as the President of the United States on November 6, 1912.

In 1913, Woodrow Wilson began his first term as the 28th President of the United States, leading the country through World War I and advocating for the League of Nations.

Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated as the 28th President of the United States on March 4, 1913.

On April 1, 1913, Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated as the twenty-eighth President of the United States. He expressed his commitment to reform and improve the country's governance and society.

On April 2, 1917, Woodrow Wilson declared war, marking America's official involvement in World War I.

President Wilson appears before Congress to speak on tariffs, which marks the first time since 1800 that a president had addressed Congress in person.

A cabinet meeting discusses segregation by race in the Federal bureaucracy, with President Wilson's indication that he would not oppose segregation being widely interpreted.

Gov. Hiram W. Johnson signs the discriminatory Webb Alien Land-Holding Law, prohibiting Japanese ownership of land in California, despite the objection of President Wilson and the Japanese Government.

The Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is enacted, allowing for the direct popular election of U.S. senators, diminishing the prestige of state governments and enhancing popular control of the federal legislature.

President Wilson met with adviser Louis Brandeis on June 11, 1913, where Brandeis advocated for governmental control of the banking and currency system as proposed by progressives. He also persuaded the President to exclude private bankers from the proposed Federal Reserve Board.

On June 22, 1913, President Wilson addressed Congress to advocate for banking reform, emphasizing the government's responsibility in the matter.

President Wilson declares the United States policy towards Mexico to be one of 'watchful waiting' after the political instability following the assassination of President Francisco Madero and refuses to recognize the new government of General Victoriano Huerta.

The Underwood-Simmons Tariff Act is enacted.

President signs the Revenue Act of 1913, which included the Underwood-Simmons Tariff Act. The Act substantially lowered tariff rates and reestablished a federal income tax.

President causes an explosion blowing up the Gamboa Dike, causing water to flow into the Panama Canal, linking the Atlantic and Pacific.

President Wilson detonates a charge to destroy the Gamboa Dike in Panama, leading to the completion of the Panama Canal.

On December 23, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act into law, creating a Federal Reserve System and overhauling the nation's banking system. It allowed unprecedented governmental control of the monetary supply in American history.

Mexican officials detain several U.S. Marines from the U.S.S. Dolphin in the port of Tampico. Despite their quick release and an expression of regret by President Victor Huerta, U.S. Admiral Henry T. Mayo demands that Mexican troops salute an American flag as a sign of contrition.

President Wilson requests authorization from Congress to use force in Mexico in order to obtain the fullest recognition of the rights and dignity of the United States from General Huerta and his adherents. Both houses sanction such force on April 22.

President Woodrow Wilson addresses a Joint Session of Congress to seek authorization to use force in Mexico following the Tampico incident, where U.S. Marines were detained by Mexican officials. The incident occurred on 04/09/1914.

U.S. forces seize the customhouse at Vera Cruz, Mexico. Marines occupy the city and a detachment is sent to exact an apology from President Huerta for the arrest of several drunken U.S. sailors earlier in the month.

President Wilson dispatches federal troops to suppress violence in tent camps in Colorado.

President Wilson accepts the offer of arbitration from the 'ABC Powers' to resolve the Tampico controversy. The mediation becomes unnecessary when Mexican President Huerta resigns on July 15.

President Woodrow Wilson signs the Smith-Lever Act, also known as 'An Act To provide for cooperative agricultural extension work between the agricultural colleges in the several States.' The goal of the act was to provide instruction and practical demonstrations to farmers throughout the states.

The official observance of Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May was proclaimed for the first time.

The United States officially declares neutrality after Germany initiates war on Belgium, France, and Great Britain. This decision marks the U.S. stance of non-involvement in the conflict.

On August 6, 1914, Woodrow Wilson became the President of the United States.

President Wilson signs the Clayton Anti-trust Act, which strengthens the original Sherman Anti-trust Act of 1890 by prohibiting various anti-competitive practices and restricting the use of injunctions against labor.

President Woodrow Wilson addresses Congress, highlighting legislative achievements including the Underwood-Simmons Act, the Federal Reserve Act, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Clayton Antitrust Act. This speech emphasizes the administration's commitment to economic and regulatory reforms.

Democrats gain five seats in the Senate, resulting in a 56-40 majority. However, they fare worse in the House, losing 61 seats. Nevertheless, Wilson's party retains a 230-196 majority with nine seats held by minor parties.

President receives a delegation of Afro-Americans who challenge him to take action to desegregate the Federal bureaucracy. The President expresses his discomfort with the insulting fashion in which he was addressed and defends the policy of segregation.

U.S. forces in Vera Cruz, Mexico, are withdrawn due to the resignation of Mexican President Huerta, who fails to win Wilson's support.

President delivers his Second Annual Message.

President signs a bill creating the Rocky Mountain National Park, allowing easements or rights of way for transportation across the park.

President vetoes bill that would have required literacy tests for immigrants, arguing that it denies equal opportunity to the uneducated. The veto was later sustained in the House on 02/14/1915.

The first ever showing of a motion picture in the White House took place, featuring the film 'Birth of a Nation'. Despite later controversy over its racist content, it was stated that the President was unaware of the character of the play before it was presented.

A German U-boat sank the passenger ship Lusitania, resulting in the deaths of 1,198 passengers and crew members, including 128 Americans.

President issues a response to Germany after the British passenger liner Lusitania is sunk by German forces on 05/07/1915.

William Jennings Bryan resigns as secretary of state in protest over the Wilson administration's handling of the Lusitania sinking. Bryan thinks Wilson is acting too boldly and calls on him to take a more moderate approach, banning American travel on belligerents' ships. Wilson names Robert Lansing acting secretary of state.

US Marines land in Haiti following violent political killings, as seven presidents of Haiti had been assassinated or overthrown between 1911 and 1915. US policymakers were concerned about German influence and the safety of American assets.

The third Lusitania note is dispatched to Germany, cautioning the nation that any subsequent violation of American rights would be considered as deliberately unfriendly.

The Haitian Treaty, negotiated on September 16, 1915, is officially proclaimed. The treaty had significant implications for the relationship between the United States and Haiti.

The treaty signed between Haiti and the United States in 1915 created a Haitian 'constabulary' under the control of US Marines, gave the US control of Haitian finances, and granted the right to intervene when the US determined it to be necessary. It was ratified by the Chamber of Deputies on 10/06/1915 and by the Haitian Senate on 11/11/1915.

On December 18, 1915, President Wilson married his second wife, Edith Bolling, at her home in Washington D.C.

President Wilson marries Edith Bolling Galt in a Washington, D.C., ceremony and the two honeymoon briefly in Virginia.

President Wilson appoints Louis B. Brandeis to the Supreme Court, making him the first Jewish justice in American history.

U.S. Marines intervene in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to restore political stability, leading to the American occupation until 1924.

The National Defense Act, a comprehensive update of the law organizing the military, is signed into law. It expands the size of the Army, brings state militias further under federal control, grants the president authority to mobilize the National Guard in the case of emergency, and creates the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes accepts the Republican Nomination for President, marking the first and only time a sitting Justice has been a Presidential nominee.

After U.S. forces entered Mexico, the Mexican consul at Brownsville, Texas issued an ultimatum for their withdrawal. Four days later, American troops came under fire from Mexican forces in Carrizal, resulting in seventeen troops being killed or wounded.

President Wilson is renominated by the Democratic National Convention meeting in St. Louis. His formal acceptance of the nomination comes on September 2, 1916.

President Wilson signed the Federal Farm Labor Act, which established a banking system for farmers to improve their holdings.

A bomb exploded in San Francisco during a Preparedness Day parade, killing ten and wounding forty. Labor leaders Tom Mooney and Warren K. Billings were convicted in the case on dubious evidence in 1917. Mooney, originally sentenced to death, would be pardoned in 1939; Billings would be released in 1940.

During a Preparedness Day parade in San Francisco, a bomb exploded, resulting in the tragic death of ten individuals and injuring forty others.

The Act to Establish a National Park Service was signed, leading to the management of the existing 35 national parks within the Department of the Interior.

The Army Appropriations Act of 1916 was signed, creating the Council of National Defense to coordinate industries and resources for national security and welfare, with the participation of six Cabinet members.

President Wilson signs the Adamson Eight-Hour Act, which requires most railroad workers to have an eight-hour workday.

Wilson defeats Republican Charles E. Hughes in the election, securing 52.2% of the Electoral College and 49.2% of the popular vote.

President Wilson sends identical peace notes to all the belligerents in Europe, seeking to mediate a settlement to the battlefield stalemate.

Wilson appointed a committee of distinguished experts, later known as The Inquiry, to develop ideas for a future of world peace based on democracy.

British officials present U.S. ambassador Walter Hines Page with a coded message from German foreign minister Alfred Zimmermann to the German ambassador of Mexico, instructing to seek a German-Mexican alliance in the event of war with the United States.

President Woodrow Wilson and Vice President Thomas Marshall are inaugurated for their second terms. In his inaugural address, Wilson hints at the almost certain likeliness of American intervention in the World War, declaring that the tragic events of the past thirty months have made the U.S. citizens of the world.

President Wilson delivers a speech advocating for peace without victory, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

President Wilson delivers a speech in the Senate criticizing the war aims of European powers and urging combatants to accept 'peace without victory' to prevent a settlement that could lead to further conflict.

Woodrow Wilson delivers a speech to the Senate proposing peaceful terms for ending the war, emphasizing 'peace without victory'.

The bill regulating immigration and residence of aliens in the United States is vetoed by Woodrow Wilson, but the veto is overridden by the House on 02/01/1917, and in the Senate on 02/05/1917.

Congress overrides President Wilson's veto of the Immigration Act, which introduces literacy tests for immigrants and imposes restrictions on the entry of Asian laborers not covered by separate diplomatic agreements.

In an address to a joint session of Congress, the President announces the severing of diplomatic relations with Imperial Germany due to their decision to threaten vessels of neutral countries through submarine warfare. He also expresses the intention to use any means necessary in defense if U.S. ships are threatened.

The White House releases the contents of the Zimmermann Telegram to the press, three days after President Wilson asks Congress for the authority to arm merchant ships.

Woodrow Wilson is inaugurated as the President of the United States.

President Wilson told the nation at his second inaugural on March 5 that he felt the United States had no control over its neutral status and that outside pressures 'have drawn us more and more irresistibly into their current and influence.'

On April 2, 1917, President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war on Germany, marking a significant shift from his previous stance of neutrality. This decision had far-reaching consequences for the United States' involvement in World War I.

The President signs the declaration of war against Germany, marking a significant turning point in the involvement of the United States in the global conflict.

The Committee on Public Information is established to coordinate wartime propaganda and censorship efforts, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion and information dissemination during the war.

President Wilson issues an executive order to establish the Committee on Public Information, which is led by Denver journalist George Creel. The committee is responsible for coordinating propaganda and censorship efforts for the federal government during the war.

Congress passes the Selective Service Act, requiring men between 21 and 30 to register for a federal draft lottery. This marks the first conscription act in the United States since the Civil War.

Congress approves the Espionage Act, which severely limits freedom of expression by imposing penalties for public criticism of the military or government. This act was requested by President Wilson in his April 2 speech.

On July 6, 1917, James Montgomery Flagg's iconic lithograph of Uncle Sam declaring 'I Want You' is first published on the cover of Leslie's Weekly. This image becomes a symbol of American patriotism and is used to recruit soldiers for the American War effort.

By Executive Order following passage of a Congressional Joint Resolution, nearly 90 German commercial vessels in US ports are directed to be seized.

The Council on National Defense adopts a new system for military purchases to be known as the War Industries Board.

President Wilson notifies his advisor Colonel Edward M. House that he approves a proposed British declaration on Palestine, which is made public on 11/02/1917 and known as the Balfour Declaration. Wilson asks that no publicity be given to his approval.

President Wilson addresses Congress and presents his '14 Points' for a just and lasting peace, including objectives such as self-determination of nations, free trade, disarmament, and the formation of a league of nations for collective security.

Herbert Hoover, the food administrator, advocates for food conservation by proposing one meatless day, two wheatless days, and two porkless days each week to promote food conservation.

Woodrow Wilson signs the Sedition Act, which imposes further restrictions on freedom of expression by prohibiting disloyal or abusive language about the United States government, flag, and armed forces.

President Wilson issues an executive order to establish the War Industries Board, aimed at coordinating production and transportation during the war.

Eugene V. Debs, a prominent socialist and presidential candidate, is sentenced to a ten-year jail term for violating the Espionage Act due to an antiwar speech he delivered in Canton, Ohio.

President Wilson addresses the Senate, emphasizing that voting rights for women is a crucial war measure.

Woodrow Wilson tours Europe to participate in World War I peace negotiations and advocate for a plan to establish a League of Nations. He delivers speeches in France, England, Italy, and Paris during the negotiations.

Woodrow Wilson delivers remarks at the opening of the Paris Peace Conference.

Woodrow Wilson presents the League of Nations draft to the Paris Peace Conference, aiming to promote international cooperation and ensure peace and security.

Woodrow Wilson sails for home after participating in the Paris Peace Conference.

Woodrow Wilson arrives in Boston and delivers an address regarding the progress in peace negotiations. He expresses his belief that the progress will not stop short of the goal.

The Supreme Court rules unanimously in Schenck v. United States, upholding the constitutionality of the Espionage Act and establishing the 'clear and present danger' test for speech that can be constitutionally prohibited.

Woodrow Wilson delivers an address in New York responding to criticisms of the proposed League of Nations.

Woodrow Wilson departs from New York to return to Europe aboard the naval transport ship George Washington.

The Treaty of Versailles was signed in June 1919, ending World War I and imposing heavy penalties on Germany. It is known for its harsh terms and is often seen as a contributing factor to the outbreak of World War II.

The Treaty of Versailles is signed after months of negotiations in Paris. Although most of Wilson's Fourteen Points are no longer included, his plan for the League of Nations remains intact.

On July 8, 1919, President Wilson returned to the United States after the Paris Peace Conference.

President Wilson submits the Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations to the Senate for ratification after failing to secure a peace without rancorous provisions from his fellow Allied leaders. Senatorial deliberation on the treaty will last longer than the Paris Conference itself.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations begins hearings on the Versailles Treaty.

President Wilson vetoes a Bill for the repeal of the daylight-savings law, which is then passed over his veto on 08/19/1919 (41 Stat 280).

The President makes Remarks to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a meeting at the White House.

Against medical advice, President Wilson embarked on a nation-wide speaking tour to promote the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.

President Wilson collapsed in Pueblo, Colorado after an exhausting speaking tour to win public support for the treaty and the League of Nations. Despite his efforts, the tour did not build any political momentum for ratification.

President Wilson suffered a serious stroke in the middle of his national speaking tour.

Woodrow Wilson suffers a severe stroke, leaving him unable to carry out his presidential duties. His wife, Edith Wilson, takes over the management of the presidency for the rest of Wilson's term.

Woodrow Wilson vetoes the Volstead Act, which aimed to prohibit intoxicating beverages. He specifically objects to the part related to wartime prohibition, but Congress overrides his veto the following day.

Woodrow Wilson delivers his Seventh Annual Message, addressing important issues and developments during his presidency.

U.S. forces cease their operations in support of counter-revolutionary forces in Siberia and are withdrawn.

Congress passes a joint resolution declaring an end to the war with Germany. President Wilson vetoes the resolution.

The Senate fails to achieve the required two-thirds majority to ratify the Versailles Treaty, with a vote of 49-35. This failure has significant implications for the post-World War I international relations and the role of the United States in shaping the global order.

President Wilson vetoes the congressional resolution known as the Knox-Porter Resolution, which aimed to declare an end to the war with Germany. Wilson's veto is based on the resolution's failure to hold the German government accountable for its actions, and his concern that it would tarnish the American name. The veto is sustained in the House on 05/28/1920.

Ohio governor James M. Cox and Franklin Delano Roosevelt of New York were nominated for President and vice president at the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco.

The Nineteenth Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote.

Woodrow Wilson wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to secure a lasting peace after the Great War.

Woodrow Wilson's presidency ended on March 4, 1921.

A Joint Resolution was signed declaring the repeal of various war-related Acts, Proclamations, and Joint Resolutions, including the Espionage Act. This marked a significant shift in the legal framework following the conclusion of World War I.

Woodrow Wilson passed away at the age of 67.

The second volume of the biography and documents of Woodrow Wilson, covering his life from 1890 to 1910, was published by Ray Stannard Baker in 1927.

Arthur S. Link's book traces Woodrow Wilson's journey to the White House, shedding light on his political career.

Henry Bragdon's work focuses on Woodrow Wilson's academic years, providing insights into his educational legacy.

Robert J. Taggart's work in New Jersey History explores Woodrow Wilson's involvement in curriculum reform efforts.

John Milton Cooper's article in the Virginia Quarterly Review delves into Woodrow Wilson's academic life and contributions.

Linda Lois Clarke's PhD dissertation explores Woodrow Wilson's leadership ideals during his time at Princeton University.

Kenneth O'Reilly's article in the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education discusses Woodrow Wilson's implementation of Jim Crow policies.

Argues that Woodrow Wilson never forgot or forgave his enemies who defeated him on issues related to the elitist residential system and the independence of the graduate school at Princeton University.