Woodrow Wilson

28th President of the United States

Years in Office: 1913-1921

Party: Democratic

Did you know?

President Woodrow Wilson had a flock of sheep grazing on the White House lawn during World War I to save manpower and resources, creating a child-friendly spectacle that delighted many with its unique and practical approach to supporting the war effort.

Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, served two terms from 1913 to 1921. Born on December 28, 1856, in Staunton, Virginia, Wilson was a Democrat and a former governor of New Jersey before assuming the presidency. A scholar and reformer, Wilson is known for his progressive domestic policies, including the establishment of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Trade Commission, and the implementation of the first federal income tax with the passage of the 16th Amendment.

Internationally, Wilson faced the challenges of World War I during his second term. Initially adopting a policy of neutrality, he later sought to mediate the conflict but eventually led the United States into the war in 1917. Wilson articulated his vision for a post-war world order in his Fourteen Points speech, emphasizing principles such as self-determination and the creation of the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at preventing future conflicts. Despite his efforts, the United States did not join the League due to opposition in the Senate. Wilson's presidency left a lasting impact on both domestic and international affairs, and he is remembered as a key figure in shaping the course of American history.