Woodrow Wilson was the 28th president of the United States, serving from March 4, 1913 to March 4, 1921. A Democrat and Progressive reformer, he led major domestic changes and guided the nation through World War I while advocating the League of Nations.
Wilson's presidency brought significant progressive reforms: he helped create the Federal Reserve System, strengthened antitrust enforcement, established the Federal Trade Commission, lowered tariffs and introduced a federal income tax. His administration also enacted labor protections and regulatory measures that reshaped the national economy.
Internationally, Wilson led the United States into World War I, articulated the Fourteen Points and pressed for a League of Nations to secure a new world order, but the Senate refused to ratify U.S. membership. His record is contested: he expanded federal authority and wartime censorship and instituted segregationist policies in the federal government, outcomes that have substantially affected historical assessments of his presidency.
Established the Federal Reserve System (1913) and modernized banking; Enacted antitrust and regulatory reforms including the Clayton Antitrust Act and Federal Trade Commission (1914); Lowered tariffs and introduced a federal income tax (Underwood Tariff, 1913); Led the U.S. through World War I and proposed the Fourteen Points; Championed the League of Nations but failed to secure Senate ratification; Implemented segregationist policies in federal offices and oversaw wartime suppression of dissent
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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A massive explosion at the Black Tom munitions depot in Jersey City on July 30, 1916, caused widespread destruction, damaged nearby infrastructure (including parts of the Statue of Liberty), and killed several people.
A bomb exploded during a Preparedness Day parade in San Francisco on July 22, 1916, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens amid a pro-military preparedness rally.
On July 17, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Farm Loan Act creating regional Federal Land Banks to extend long-term credit to farmers.
On July 1, 1916, British and French forces launched the Battle of the Somme, a large Allied offensive on the Western Front that opened on that date.
On June 21, 1916, elements of the U.S. 10th Cavalry engaged Carrancista (Mexican federal) forces at Carrizal, Chihuahua, resulting in American casualties and prisoners.
President Wilson ordered National Guard units called into federal service and sent to the U.S.–Mexico border to reinforce American forces amid continuing tensions from Pancho Villa's raids and the Punitive Expedition.
On the final day of the Democratic National Convention in St. Louis, delegates adopted a party platform that praised Wilson's handling of foreign affairs and emphasized the slogan 'He kept us out of war.'
On June 14, 1916, the Democratic National Convention in St. Louis formally re-nominated President Woodrow Wilson and Vice President Thomas R. Marshall as the party's ticket for the 1916 presidential election.
Charles Evans Hughes accepted the Republican Party's nomination for president at the close of the GOP convention in Chicago.
The Republican National Convention in Chicago selected Charles Evans Hughes as its nominee for president.
After his Senate confirmation on June 1, Louis D. Brandeis was formally sworn in and took his seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.
President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Defense Act on June 3, 1916, expanding the Regular Army and National Guard, creating reserve components, and authorizing expanded military training programs (including provisions that led to ROTC).