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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The Senate confirmed William Jennings Bryan and he took office as Wilson's Secretary of State on March 6, 1913.
President Wilson nominated David F. Houston for Secretary of Agriculture on March 5, 1913.
On March 5, 1913, Wilson nominated William C. Redfield to be Secretary of Commerce.
President Woodrow Wilson nominated Albert S. Burleson to serve as Postmaster General on March 5, 1913.
Wilson nominated William B. Wilson to serve as the first Secretary of Labor following the department’s establishment.
Wilson nominated Franklin K. Lane to head the Department of the Interior.
Wilson nominated Lindley M. Garrison to be Secretary of War.
Wilson nominated James C. McReynolds to serve as Attorney General of the United States.
Wilson nominated newspaper publisher Josephus Daniels to be Secretary of the Navy.
President Wilson nominated William G. McAdoo to serve as Secretary of the Treasury.
On March 5, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson announced his nomination of three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan to serve as Secretary of State.
Woodrow Wilson was sworn in as the 28th President of the United States and delivered his First Inaugural Address, laying out the themes of his incoming administration.