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Wilson played a dominant role in ending the war with his [[Fourteen Points]] and played the central role at the Versailles Conference that set the peace terms in 1919. He was the idealist who envisioned Wilson advocated a new international order founded on self-determination, unfettered international trade, the end of militarism, and a worldwide organization of states - the League of Nations. He failed to obtain Senate approval for the Versailles treaty because it required American entry into the [[League of Nations]] and a possible loss of control over the war-making power. Wilson refused to involve the Republicans in the peace-making, even though they controlled Congress, and refused the GOP compromise that would have allowed American entry into the League without giving up sovereignty.

Wilson played a dominant role in ending the war with his [[Fourteen Points]] and played the central role at the Versailles Conference that set the peace terms in 1919. He was the idealist who envisioned Wilson advocated a new international order founded on self-determination, unfettered international trade, the end of militarism, and a worldwide organization of states - the League of Nations. He failed to obtain Senate approval for the Versailles treaty because it required American entry into the [[League of Nations]] and a possible loss of control over the war-making power. Wilson refused to involve the Republicans in the peace-making, even though they controlled Congress, and refused the GOP compromise that would have allowed American entry into the League without giving up sovereignty.

Wilson was a very complex man filled with paradox. He was a southern conservative—an elitist with a profound distrust of radical ideas and such left-wing populists as [[William Jennings Bryan]], but became the Democratic Party's most effective advocate of advanced [[progressivism]]. He rejected the doctrine of the Founders of the Republic in the preface to the Declaration of Independence that people are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights" and asserted the Hegelian principle that the citizen should "marry his interests to the state". Ironically, Woodrow Wilson laid the foundations for a state that has no use for God and uses “every means. . .by which society may be perfected.”  And today Wilson’s ideological heir, Barack Obama, is carrying out his grandiose plan that declares the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution relics of the distant eighteenth century and seeks to bring everyone and everything, including religious groups, under control of the state. Wilson's progressivism in 2009 terms is a mix of liberal and conservative ideas, with a much deeper religious underpinning than is seen today. He ranks with Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan as the nation's most active and dominant chief executives. He ranks with Abraham Lincoln and Reagan as the most articulate spokesman for national values. He was a war president who largely ignored military affairs and focused on very complex diplomatic issues. He won his war, reshaped the world at the peace conference, and saw his nation reject his idealist League of Nations because he refused to work with Republicans on its mechanics.

Wilson was a very complex man filled with paradox. He was a southern conservative—an elitist with a profound distrust of radical ideas and such left-wing populists as [[William Jennings Bryan]], but became the Democratic Party's most effective advocate of advanced [[progressivism]]. He rejected the doctrine of the Founders of the Republic in the preface to the Declaration of Independence that people are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights" and asserted the Hegelian principle that the citizen should "marry his interests to the state". Ironically, Woodrow Wilson laid the foundations for a state that has no use for God and uses “every means. . .by which society may be perfected.”  And today Wilson's ideological heir, Barack Obama, is carrying out his grandiose plan that declares the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution relics of the distant eighteenth century and seeks to bring everyone and everything, including religious groups, under control of the state. Wilson's progressivism in 2009 terms is a mix of liberal and conservative ideas, with a much deeper religious underpinning than is seen today. He ranks with Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan as the nation's most active and dominant chief executives. He ranks with Abraham Lincoln and Reagan as the most articulate spokesman for national values. He was a war president who largely ignored military affairs and focused on very complex diplomatic issues. He won his war, reshaped the world at the peace conference, and saw his nation reject his idealist League of Nations because he refused to work with Republicans on its mechanics.

A rigid, self-exacting personality, whose uncompromising adherence to principles barred agreement on some of his most important political goals, he was a brilliant opportunist who won stunning electoral victories and led controversial laws through Congress. He understood diplomacy and domestic affairs in depth, and was the first to recognize a solution that could satisfy most of the needs of the interested parties. He was willing to negotiate endlessly, usually getting his way in the end, especially when his powerful rhetoric energized his backers. A devout [[Presbyterian]] who studied the Bible every day, he elevated a religious style of idealism to the central place in American diplomacy. A lonely intellectual, he had few friends, and broke one-by-one with his closest advisors, until in his last two years in office he was an invalid controlled in large part by his wife.

A rigid, self-exacting personality, whose uncompromising adherence to principles barred agreement on some of his most important political goals, he was a brilliant opportunist who won stunning electoral victories and led controversial laws through Congress. He understood diplomacy and domestic affairs in depth, and was the first to recognize a solution that could satisfy most of the needs of the interested parties. He was willing to negotiate endlessly, usually getting his way in the end, especially when his powerful rhetoric energized his backers. A devout [[Presbyterian]] who studied the Bible every day, he elevated a religious style of idealism to the central place in American diplomacy. A lonely intellectual, he had few friends, and broke one-by-one with his closest advisors, until in his last two years in office he was an invalid controlled in large part by his wife.

===Political theory===

===Political theory===

====Political Science====

====Political Science====

Wilson made significant contributions to political science.<ref>he also wrote popular history of high quality, including a five-volume history of the United States and a life of George Washington.</ref>  In 1885 he published his influential treatise ''Congressional Government: A Study in American Politics'', based on his PhD dissertation. It set a new standard in analyzing the actual workings of the federal government with striking clarity and thoroughness. The citizen must “marry his interests to the state.”  Wilson, therefore, dismissed the Declaration’s assertion that rights are endowed by our Creator. Wilson lectured that, “If you want to understand the real Declaration of Independence, do not repeat the preface.”  “The rhetorical introduction,” he declared, “is the least part of it.”

Wilson made significant contributions to political science.<ref>he also wrote popular history of high quality, including a five-volume history of the United States and a life of George Washington.</ref>  In 1885 he published his influential treatise ''Congressional Government: A Study in American Politics'', based on his PhD dissertation. It set a new standard in analyzing the actual workings of the federal government with striking clarity and thoroughness. The citizen must “marry his interests to the state.”  Wilson, therefore, dismissed the Declaration's assertion that rights are endowed by our Creator. Wilson lectured that, “If you want to understand the real Declaration of Independence, do not repeat the preface.”  “The rhetorical introduction,” he declared, “is the least part of it.”

Although Wilson had never visited Congress, his emphasis on the centrality of committees in Congress was a major contribution to the study of political science.  Noting how the Constitution's separation of powers had been eroded since the Civil War by the increasing power of Congress, he suggested a remedy for this in a cabinet-style government of the variety proposed by [[Walter Bagehot]] in Britain. By criticizing the Constitutionalist and Federalist traditions that had characterized American politics for a century, and showing their faults, Wilson sought to open a serious debate on the political changes in the United States in the intervening century and whether the Constitution remained an adequate regulator of these. By the time he wrote ''Constitutional Government in the United States'' (1908), Wilson was advocating the need for constitutional reform that would make Congress and president more representative and, above all, the need for a strong president who could influence Congress rather than submit to it.  In ''Constitutional Government'', Wilson creates the idea that the Constitution is a [[Living and breathing constitution|living and breathing]] document.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=cgPc0rsBxSAC&pg=PR13 Woodrow Wilson and Harry Truman: Mission and Power in American Foreign Policy]</ref>

Although Wilson had never visited Congress, his emphasis on the centrality of committees in Congress was a major contribution to the study of political science.  Noting how the Constitution's separation of powers had been eroded since the Civil War by the increasing power of Congress, he suggested a remedy for this in a cabinet-style government of the variety proposed by [[Walter Bagehot]] in Britain. By criticizing the Constitutionalist and Federalist traditions that had characterized American politics for a century, and showing their faults, Wilson sought to open a serious debate on the political changes in the United States in the intervening century and whether the Constitution remained an adequate regulator of these. By the time he wrote ''Constitutional Government in the United States'' (1908), Wilson was advocating the need for constitutional reform that would make Congress and president more representative and, above all, the need for a strong president who could influence Congress rather than submit to it.  In ''Constitutional Government'', Wilson creates the idea that the Constitution is a [[Living and breathing constitution|living and breathing]] document.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=cgPc0rsBxSAC&pg=PR13 Woodrow Wilson and Harry Truman: Mission and Power in American Foreign Policy]</ref>

At the convention deadlock went on for over 40 ballots as a two-thirds vote was needed. A leading opponent was House Speaker [[Champ Clark]], a prominent progressive strongest in the border states. Other contenders were Judson Harmon of Ohio, and Oscar Underwood of Alabama. They lacked Wilson's charisma and dynamism.  Clark was supported by publisher [[William Randolph Hearst]], a leader of the left-wing of the party. The critical role was played by [[William Jennings Bryan]], the nominee in 1896, 1900 and 1908, who blocked the nomination of any candidate who had the support of 'the financiers of Wall Street.'  He finally announced for Wilson, who won on the 46th.<ref>Arthur S. Link,  "The Baltimore Convention of 1912," ''American Historical Review'' 1945 50(4): 691-713 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/1842698 in JSTOR]</ref>  

At the convention deadlock went on for over 40 ballots as a two-thirds vote was needed. A leading opponent was House Speaker [[Champ Clark]], a prominent progressive strongest in the border states. Other contenders were Judson Harmon of Ohio, and Oscar Underwood of Alabama. They lacked Wilson's charisma and dynamism.  Clark was supported by publisher [[William Randolph Hearst]], a leader of the left-wing of the party. The critical role was played by [[William Jennings Bryan]], the nominee in 1896, 1900 and 1908, who blocked the nomination of any candidate who had the support of 'the financiers of Wall Street.'  He finally announced for Wilson, who won on the 46th.<ref>Arthur S. Link,  "The Baltimore Convention of 1912," ''American Historical Review'' 1945 50(4): 691-713 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/1842698 in JSTOR]</ref>  

Many historians believe that Wilson’s election was a defining moment in American history. The former political science professor’s views on government and human nature (and our relationship to the state) became the foundations of Democratic Party liberalism.  Historians also agree that Wilson had a dark side.  He had a strong dislike of immigrants, particularly Catholics and African-Americans.

Many historians believe that Wilson's election was a defining moment in American history. The former political science professor's views on government and human nature (and our relationship to the state) became the foundations of Democratic Party liberalism.  Historians also agree that Wilson had a dark side.  He had a strong dislike of immigrants, particularly Catholics and African-Americans.

Wilson enjoyed the support of many black leaders including [[W.E.B. DuBois]] (a liberal at the time). Wilson's speeches and letters expressed the sentiments of a defender of the underprivileged. However the rejoicing over Wilson's victory was short-lived among blacks as segregationist white Southerners took control of Congress and many executive departments.<ref>Nancy J. Weiss,  "The Negro and the New Freedom: Fighting Wilsonian Segregation," ''Political Science Quarterly'' 1969 84(1): 61-79, [http://www.jstor.org/stable/2147047  in JSTOR]</ref>

Wilson enjoyed the support of many black leaders including [[W.E.B. DuBois]] (a liberal at the time). Wilson's speeches and letters expressed the sentiments of a defender of the underprivileged. However the rejoicing over Wilson's victory was short-lived among blacks as segregationist white Southerners took control of Congress and many executive departments.<ref>Nancy J. Weiss,  "The Negro and the New Freedom: Fighting Wilsonian Segregation," ''Political Science Quarterly'' 1969 84(1): 61-79, [http://www.jstor.org/stable/2147047  in JSTOR]</ref>

===China policy===

===China policy===

Wilson’s discussions with Presbyterian missionaries visiting Princeton shaped his diplomacy toward [[History of China|China]]. Wilson viewed Christianity as a unifying force in the world and the Chinese Revolution of 1911 as the first step toward the spread of Christianity and democracy for China. Wilson gained the admiration of the missionaries and Chinese when he prohibited US participation in a European loan to China. He moved to recognize the government of Yuan Shih-k'ai, hoping that that regime could bring stability to China favorable to the introduction of Christianity. He sought to appoint an ambassador to China who could express Christian values. During World War I, missionaries successfully urged Wilson's opposition to Japanese demands on China. Although the war and its aftermath diverted Wilson from Chinese problems, his foreign policy continued to be influenced by missionaries, particularly Dr. Samuel I. Woodbridge and the Reverend Charles E. Scott.<ref>Eugene P. Trani, "Woodrow Wilson, China, and the Missionaries, 1913-1921," ''Journal of Presbyterian History'' 1971 49(4): 328-351,</ref>

Wilson's discussions with Presbyterian missionaries visiting Princeton shaped his diplomacy toward [[History of China|China]]. Wilson viewed Christianity as a unifying force in the world and the Chinese Revolution of 1911 as the first step toward the spread of Christianity and democracy for China. Wilson gained the admiration of the missionaries and Chinese when he prohibited US participation in a European loan to China. He moved to recognize the government of Yuan Shih-k'ai, hoping that that regime could bring stability to China favorable to the introduction of Christianity. He sought to appoint an ambassador to China who could express Christian values. During World War I, missionaries successfully urged Wilson's opposition to Japanese demands on China. Although the war and its aftermath diverted Wilson from Chinese problems, his foreign policy continued to be influenced by missionaries, particularly Dr. Samuel I. Woodbridge and the Reverend Charles E. Scott.<ref>Eugene P. Trani, "Woodrow Wilson, China, and the Missionaries, 1913-1921," ''Journal of Presbyterian History'' 1971 49(4): 328-351,</ref>

==Democracy==

==Democracy==

Wilson argued for a “[[Living Constitution]]” that “must be Darwinian in structure and in practice.”  Government for him was “not a machine but a living thing. . . .It is modified by its environment, necessitated by its task, shaped to its functions by the sheer pressure of life.”  He noted that the Framers "followed Newton" as they created the Constitution, making a comparison to planets in orbit around the sun.  Interestingly enough, the Framers used that same analogy during the [[Constitutional Convention]].<ref>[http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/debates_607.asp Madison Debates, June 7]</ref><ref>[http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/debates_608.asp Madison Debates, June 8]</ref>

Wilson argued for a “[[Living Constitution]]” that “must be Darwinian in structure and in practice.”  Government for him was “not a machine but a living thing. . . .It is modified by its environment, necessitated by its task, shaped to its functions by the sheer pressure of life.”  He noted that the Framers "followed Newton" as they created the Constitution, making a comparison to planets in orbit around the sun.  Interestingly enough, the Framers used that same analogy during the [[Constitutional Convention]].<ref>[http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/debates_607.asp Madison Debates, June 7]</ref><ref>[http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/debates_608.asp Madison Debates, June 8]</ref>

Wilson believed that the citizen must “marry his interests to the state.”  Wilson, therefore, dismissed the Declaration’s assertion that rights are endowed by our Creator. Wilson lectured that, “If you want to understand the real Declaration of Independence, do not repeat the preface.”  “The rhetorical introduction,” he declared, “is the least part of it.”

Wilson believed that the citizen must “marry his interests to the state.”  Wilson, therefore, dismissed the Declaration's assertion that rights are endowed by our Creator. Wilson lectured that, “If you want to understand the real Declaration of Independence, do not repeat the preface.”  “The rhetorical introduction,” he declared, “is the least part of it.”

Wilson also rejected the premise described in the [[Federalist Papers]], that checks and balances are needed because human nature is flawed and does not improve.  He viewed the entire premise as outdated and a relic of a prior age, noting that "though they were written to influence only the voters of 1788, still, with a strange, persistent longevity of power, shape the constitutional criticism of the present day, obscuring much of that development of constitutional practice which has since taken place."<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=r5IYAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA9 Congressional Government: A Study in American Politics], p. 9</ref>

Wilson also rejected the premise described in the [[Federalist Papers]], that checks and balances are needed because human nature is flawed and does not improve.  He viewed the entire premise as outdated and a relic of a prior age, noting that "though they were written to influence only the voters of 1788, still, with a strange, persistent longevity of power, shape the constitutional criticism of the present day, obscuring much of that development of constitutional practice which has since taken place."<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=r5IYAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA9 Congressional Government: A Study in American Politics], p. 9</ref>