Woodrow Wilson Timeline

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, served from 1913 to 1921 during one of the most transformative periods in American and global history.

A scholar, reformer, and statesman, Wilson championed progressive domestic policies and played a pivotal role in shaping the post-World War I international order.

His presidency is marked by major legislative achievements, the establishment of the Federal Reserve, and his visionary yet controversial advocacy for the League of Nations.

Also Read: Woodrow Wilson Accomplishments

This timeline explores the key events in Wilson’s life, from his early years and academic career to his leadership during the Great War and his enduring impact on global politics.

1856 (December 28)Thomas Woodrow Wilson is born in Staunton, Virginia.
1875Enrolls at Davidson College but transfers to Princeton University (then the College of New Jersey) the following year.
1879Graduates from Princeton University.
1881Earns a law degree from the University of Virginia but abandons a legal career after practicing for only a short time.
1883Enrolls at Johns Hopkins University to study political science and history.
1886Earns a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins with a dissertation titled Congressional Government: A Study in American Politics.
1886–1902Teaches at various institutions, including Bryn Mawr College, Wesleyan University, and Princeton University.
1902Becomes President of Princeton University, where he implements significant educational reforms.
1910Elected Governor of New Jersey as a Democrat, where he gains national attention for progressive reforms.
1912Wins the Democratic nomination for President and defeats Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive Party) and William Howard Taft (Republican) in the general election.
1913 (March 4)Inaugurated as the 28th President of the United States.
1913Signs the Underwood Tariff Act, reducing tariffs and instituting a federal income tax (16th Amendment).
1913Establishes the Federal Reserve System to stabilize the banking system.
1914Signs the Clayton Antitrust Act and creates the Federal Trade Commission to regulate business practices.
1914 (August)World War I begins in Europe; Wilson declares U.S. neutrality.
1915 (May 7)The RMS Lusitania is sunk by a German submarine, killing 128 Americans, straining U.S.-German relations.
1916Signs the National Park Service Act, establishing the National Park Service.
1916Wins re-election narrowly over Charles Evans Hughes with the campaign slogan, “He kept us out of war.”
1917 (April 2)Asks Congress for a declaration of war against Germany; the U.S. enters World War I.
1918 (January 8)Announces the “Fourteen Points,” his vision for postwar peace, including the creation of the League of Nations.
1918 (November 11)World War I ends with the signing of the Armistice.
1919Travels to Paris for the Peace Conference, becoming the first U.S. President to travel abroad while in office.
1919 (June 28)Treaty of Versailles is signed, incorporating the League of Nations. Wilson champions its ratification in the U.S. Senate.
1919 (October)Suffers a debilitating stroke while campaigning for the League of Nations; his wife Edith Wilson plays a significant role in managing his affairs.
1920The U.S. Senate rejects the Treaty of Versailles, preventing U.S. membership in the League of Nations.
1921 (March 4)Leaves office, succeeded by Warren G. Harding.
1924 (February 3)Dies at the age of 67 in Washington, D.C.
Woodrow Wilson

Timeline of Woodrow Wilson

1856 (December 28)

Thomas Woodrow Wilson is born in Staunton, Virginia, to Joseph Ruggles Wilson, a Presbyterian minister, and Jessie Janet Woodrow. He grows up in the South during the Civil War, which deeply influences his worldview.

Also Read: Woodrow Wilson Facts

1875

Wilson enrolls at Davidson College in North Carolina but decides to transfer to the College of New Jersey, later known as Princeton University. This decision sets the stage for his future in academia and politics.

1879

Wilson graduates from Princeton University. His studies emphasize history and political science, and he begins to develop his interest in public administration and governance.

1881

Wilson earns a law degree from the University of Virginia. However, after briefly practicing law in Atlanta, he finds the legal profession unsatisfying and begins to pursue academic interests.

1883

Wilson enrolls at Johns Hopkins University to study political science and history. This period marks the beginning of his academic career and his focus on the study of government and public administration.

Woodrow Wilson

1886

Wilson earns his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. His dissertation, “Congressional Government: A Study in American Politics,” critiques the inefficiencies of the U.S. government and brings him national recognition as a scholar.

1886–1902

During these years, Wilson teaches at Bryn Mawr College, Wesleyan University, and finally Princeton University. His lectures on political theory and American history are well-received and establish his reputation as a leading academic.

1902

Wilson becomes President of Princeton University. He introduces several reforms, including reorganizing the curriculum and enhancing the academic rigor of the institution. His efforts to reduce the influence of elite social clubs spark controversy.

1910

Wilson is elected Governor of New Jersey as a Democrat. He quickly gains national attention for his progressive policies, which include reforms to combat corruption and improve labor rights.

1912

Wilson wins the Democratic nomination for President and defeats Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft in a three-way race. His platform, known as the New Freedom, emphasizes antitrust legislation, banking reform, and tariff reduction.

1913 (March 4)

Wilson is inaugurated as the 28th President of the United States. His presidency marks the beginning of an era of progressive reforms aimed at addressing economic inequality and curbing corporate power.

Woodrow Wilson

1913

Wilson signs the Underwood Tariff Act, which reduces tariffs and implements a federal income tax under the 16th Amendment. This is a key step in modernizing the American economy.

1913

Wilson establishes the Federal Reserve System, creating a central banking system to stabilize the economy and address issues like inflation and financial panics.

1914

Wilson signs the Clayton Antitrust Act, strengthening antitrust laws and protecting workers’ rights. He also creates the Federal Trade Commission to regulate unfair business practices.

1914 (August)

World War I breaks out in Europe. Wilson declares U.S. neutrality, reflecting his belief that America should remain uninvolved in European conflicts.

1915 (May 7)

The RMS Lusitania, a British passenger ship, is sunk by a German submarine, killing 128 Americans. This incident heightens tensions between the United States and Germany but does not immediately lead to U.S. involvement in the war.

1916

Wilson signs the National Park Service Act, establishing the National Park Service to preserve and protect natural and cultural resources across the United States.

1916

Wilson is re-elected President, narrowly defeating Charles Evans Hughes. His campaign slogan, “He kept us out of war,” resonates with voters who wish to avoid involvement in World War I.

Woodrow Wilson

1917 (April 2)

Wilson asks Congress for a declaration of war against Germany, citing unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram as reasons for U.S. entry into World War I. Congress declares war on April 6.

1918 (January 8)

Wilson delivers his Fourteen Points speech, outlining his vision for a postwar world based on principles like self-determination, free trade, and the establishment of the League of Nations to ensure lasting peace.

1918 (November 11)

World War I ends with the signing of the Armistice. Wilson takes a leading role in shaping the postwar settlement, emphasizing his vision for international cooperation.

1919

Wilson travels to Paris to participate in the Peace Conference. He becomes the first U.S. President to travel abroad while in office. His influence shapes the Treaty of Versailles, which includes the League of Nations.

1919 (June 28)

The Treaty of Versailles is signed. Wilson returns to the United States to advocate for its ratification, but his efforts face strong opposition in the Senate, particularly over the League of Nations.

1919 (October)

While campaigning for the Treaty of Versailles, Wilson suffers a debilitating stroke. His wife, Edith Wilson, becomes heavily involved in managing his communications and schedule, effectively acting as a gatekeeper.

1920

The U.S. Senate rejects the Treaty of Versailles, preventing the United States from joining the League of Nations. This marks a major defeat for Wilson’s vision of international diplomacy.

1921 (March 4)

Wilson leaves office and retires to his home in Washington, D.C. He remains a vocal advocate for the League of Nations, despite his declining health.

1924 (February 3)

Wilson dies at the age of 67 in Washington, D.C. He is buried in the Washington National Cathedral, becoming the only U.S. President interred there.