Step into the political time machine as we unveil 15 fascinating facts about the man behind the policy, the visionary Woodrow Wilson. From his academic prowess to his tumultuous presidency, we’re diving deep into the layers of this enigmatic figure. Brace yourself for a journey through history, diplomacy, and maybe even a few unexpected quirks. Join us as we explore the life and legacy of the 28th President – Woodrow Wilson, a man whose impact reverberates through the corridors of power even today.
1-5 Interesting Facts About Woodrow Wilson
1. Wilson’s early years were marked by the Civil War. Born on December 28, 1856, in Virginia, a young Thomas Woodrow Wilson witnessed Union troops entering his Georgia town, and his mother tended to wounded Confederate soldiers during this tumultuous period.
2. After a brief stint at Davidson College, Woodrow Wilson eventually found himself at Princeton as a student, graduating 38th in his class of 167 students. Despite limited political experience, with just over two years in the political arena, Wilson ascended to the presidency. Following his Princeton years, he secured the governorship of New Jersey in 1910 and, within two years, found himself in the White House.
3. The 1912 election, while not a landslide in terms of popular vote, saw Wilson secure a clear victory in the Electoral College against the divided factions of William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt. However, his 42 percent popular vote total stood as the third-lowest winning tally in history.
4. Digging into Wilson’s roots, it’s all about the Scottish and Scotch-Irish ancestry. No wonder he had that scholarly and diplomatic flair.
5. And speaking of flair, guess who came up with the bright idea of income tax? Yep, you can thank Wilson for that one. April 15th just wouldn’t be the same without him.
6-10 Fun Facts About Woodrow Wilson
6. Did you know the first Supreme Court confirmation hearing kicked off in 1916? Why? Because President Woodrow Wilson decided to nominate a Jew for the seat.
7. Now, let’s talk about Wilson’s unconventional White House lawn care strategy. Forget lawnmowers – Wilson brought in a flock of sheep to graze. His innovative approach to lawn maintenance saw a flock of sheep grazing on the White House lawn, simultaneously saving manpower on mowing while generating $52,823 for the Red Cross through the auction of wool.
8. During the last 17 months of Woodrow Wilson’s presidency, his wife Edith took charge of all official communication as he was confined to bed after a stroke.
9. In 1918, President Wilson signed a law that rendered it illegal to criticize the government or the war effort during World War I, reflecting the wartime restrictions imposed at that time.
10. But hold your horses; Wilson wasn’t just signing bills. At the Paris Peace Conference, he rejected Japan’s proposal for racial and ethnic equality.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Woodrow Wilson
11. An academic standout among U.S. presidents, Woodrow Wilson holds the distinction of being the only president with a Ph.D., specifically in history and political science. Forget “Mr. President”; it’s “Dr. President” to you!
12. Despite his political ambitions, Wilson’s health hindered his pursuit of a third term in the 1920 elections.
13. On December 10, 1920, Wilson received the 1919 Nobel Peace Prize for his foundational role in the League of Nations, a significant recognition of his diplomatic contributions.
14. However, Wilson’s legacy is marked by controversies. During his term, governmental departments began segregating employees, and he permitted his cabinet to maintain white-only bathrooms. His clash with civil rights activist William Monroe Trotter, resulting in Trotter being ejected from the White House, exemplifies these conflicts. A century later, protests at Princeton emerged, challenging the dedication of institutions bearing Wilson’s name due to his perceived hindrance of civil rights activities.
15. An avid movie enthusiast, Wilson became the first president to regularly screen films in the White House. Gifted a projector by actor Douglas Fairbanks in 1918, Wilson enjoyed up to five hours of movies daily. Even during the Atlantic cruise following World War I, he set up the projector for troops to enjoy Charlie Chaplin films.
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