Woodrow Wilson, president of the United States during World War One, is known as one of the most controversial presidents in American history. While some might claim that he is among the greatest presidents this country has ever had, others will argue that he is among the worst. How can one man, in his eight years as president, create so much controversy? A "war to end all wars" and all that comes along with it can do that to a man. As a result of the political and social changes that were occurring at the time, Wilson was forced to go against many of his principles and standards to protect American interests and lives. This often went against the wishes of other world leaders and the citizens of other countries, as well as Americans, making for mixed opinions on Wilson as a president.
When Wilson took office in 1913, he did not support the foreign policies of interventionism and dollar diplomacy that were currently in effect, however he was soon forced to utilize these policies that he was against.
President Woodrow Wilson asking Congress to declar...
English: President Woodrow Wilson addresses the Un...
English: Woodrow Wilson.When American lives and properties were jeopardized by the revolt in Haiti, Wilson sent in the Marines to intervene, directly going against his policy of isolationism. Wilson was also an anti-imperialist. In 1916 Congress passed the Jones Act, which granted the Philippines independence from the United States sometime in the future. Despite this, however, the government under Wilson soon purchased the Virgin Islands. In 1913 when General Victoriano Huerta overthrew the Mexican government and murdered the president, many demanded that American intervention was necessary to protect the over 50,000 Americans living in Mexico and the over $1 billion in American investments. This time staying true to his stance against interventionism, Wilson refuses to send the military into Mexico and...