Wooodrow Wilson

Biography

On December 28, 1856 in Staunton, Virginia Janet Mary Woodrow gave birth to a baby boy. She and her husband, Dr. Joseph Ruggles Wilson, named their baby boy Thomas Woodrow Wilson. Little did they know that their baby boy would one day become president of the United States. Woodrow’s grandparents had immigrated from Strabane, County Tyrone which today is Northern Ireland. As one of the founders of the Southern Presbyterian Church PCUS, Wilson’s father kept his family of six active in the church. Although, Dr. Joseph Wilson moved his family often because of his involvement with the Southern Church, Woodrow grew up mostly in Augusta, Georgia, where Dr. Wilson was the minister of the First Presbyterian Church.

During his childhood, Wilson was faced with some obstacles. In fact, it was not until Woodrow was twelve that he learned to read. This could have indicated dyslexia or even Attention Deficit Disorder. Nonetheless, Woodrow exemplified hard work and dedication by teaching himself to shorthand and managing to excel in school. He attended a small school in Augusta, but was mostly educated by his father.

At age fourteen, the Wilson’s moved to Columbia, South Carolina where Joseph became professor at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Three years later he enrolled at Davidson College in North Carolina. After his first year at Davidson College, Woodrow decided to transfer to Princeton University. After graduation he attended law school at University of Virginia. Although never graduating Woodrow continued studying at home in Wilmington, North Carolina. He later tried to start a law practice, but soon tired of it and decided to return to school. Wilson received a degree in political science from John Hopkins University in Baltimore.

From 1885 through 1910 Wilson worked as professor. He taught politics. During this time he wrote congressional Government which is the most popular of his writings. Woodrow also wrote Constitutional Government of the United States. After his academic career he became the governor of New Jersey. Until being elected president in 1913.

Mr. Wilson campaigned for the 1912 presidential election. His running-mate was Thomas R. Marshall. They were the Democratic candidates. Wilson ran against Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt. He received just fewer than 48 percent of the votes, but received 435 Electoral College votes and clinched the presidency.

Political Career

Serving two terms as the 28th president Mr. Wilson was in office from March 4, 1913 to March 4, 1921. During his presidency Wilson was forced to deal with many events and changes through out the world. The major event of his presidency was the First World War. He also faced a rapidly changing industrial world including monopolies and poor working conditions. Another world event included the sinking of the RMS Titanic. The nation’s poor banking system was also in need of change during his era.

Mr. Wilson’s faced a major problem during his terms. That problem was World War I, and Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare. The United States was facing a major dilemma, which was to enter the war or stay neutral. It seemed most of America wanted to stay out of the conflict. Although it was obvious which side America supported.

From 1914 to 1917 Wilson fought to keep the United States out of war. With the war continuously growing, he offered to negotiate peace talks between the Allies and the Central Powers. The two sides never took him seriously and neither did the Republican Party, lead by Theodore Roosevelt. Who wanted to build up the nation’s army for the growing threat of war. Mr. Wilson theory, that building up the army would only raise the chance of entering war, was supported by the majority in the States.

Blockades and submarine acts was a growing problem for the United States. Neither side wanted America or any other neutral countries delivering goods to their enemy. Even though Wilson claimed neutrality it was clear that he was harsher with Germany in talks of international laws concerning American ships and trade with countries at war. By 1916 it became clear that America was on it was to war. A quote by Wilson “The nation that violates these essential rights must expect to be checked and called to account by direct challenge and resistance. It at once makes the quarrel in part our own.”

With the Germany taking such action as the Zimmermann Telegram and the restart of unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917, Wilson requested that congress declare war on Germany. So on April 6th, 1917 the United States declares war on Germany. Then in December congress declared war on Austria-Hungary. Joining the war the U.S never formally joined the Allies but, was an “Associated Power.”

The war would continue on into 1918