Was Woodrow Wilson the Most Evil US President Ever?

The debate over the most evil US president is a complex and subjective one. In this discussion, I will argue for Woodrow Wilson as a strong contender based on his actions and beliefs.

Woodrow Wilson: The Contender for the Title

Wilson would have never secured the presidency without the intervention of Theodore Roosevelt, who ran as a third-party candidate in the 1912 election. This split the Republican vote, leading to Wilson's electoral triumph. Therefore, if you are among those who dislike Wilson, you could also blame Roosevelt for his path to the White House.

A Pervasive Racist Believer

Wilson's academic life was deeply rooted in racist ideologies. He openly defended slavery and the 'Lost Cause' mythology, which glorified the Confederate States of America's cause as heroic rather than centered on slavery. Unlike other presidents who either owned slaves or supported the Confederacy, Wilson's views were even more extreme for his time.

As the president of Princeton University, he vigorously opposed the admission of African-American students and supported segregation, viewing it as a scientific and rational ideology. His presidency saw the screening of "The Birth of a Nation," a pro-Klan film, in the White House, and he was even quoted in the movie. In response to public backlash, Wilson eventually condemned the film but only after being criticized for his initial support.

The Espionage and Sedition Acts

Upon the United States entering World War I, Wilson saw US involvement as a means to solidify his presidential legacy. To this end, he established the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918, making it illegal to criticize the U.S. government or military. These acts were particularly harsh, with their effects still felt to this day.

World War I and the League of Nations

Wilson's presidency coincided with World War I, and his advocacy for the League of Nations within the Fourteen Points is often viewed positively today. Many scholars see the League of Nations as an important step in expanding the rule of law, maintaining collective security, and creating economic stabilization. This earned Wilson the 1919 Nobel Peace Prize. However, Wilson's insistence on the League of Nations overshadowed other critical aspects of the post-war Treaty of Versailles, such as the harsh treatment of Germany by the UK and France. This factor is often linked to the rise of fascism and the outbreak of World War II.

The 1919 Stroke and Presidential Aftermath

In 1919, Wilson suffered a stroke, leaving him unable to perform many of his presidential duties. During this period, his wife Edith Wilson acted as de facto president, shielding Wilson from public scrutiny and isolating him from others. Bills were often brought to her for signing, leading to a period of inactivity in the White House.

Conclusion: A Complex Legacy

While Wilson's legacy is often seen as progressive, responsible for maintaining peace during a violent time in American history, many of his beliefs remain deeply troubling, even by the standards of his time. Economic and domestic policies are complex and vary depending on personal political views. Ultimately, whether Wilson is the most evil US president is a matter of opinion, and there are certainly other contenders deserving of this title based on their actions and legacies.