Woodrow Wilson

Definition

Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921. He is known for his progressive domestic policies and for leading the nation through World War I, promoting the idea of a League of Nations to maintain global peace. His vision for a more organized and accountable government ties directly into the nature and function of bureaucracy, while his efforts in regulating bureaucratic agencies reflect attempts at controlling their power, and his belief in democracy emphasizes the need for bureaucracies to serve the public effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wilson was a key figure in establishing the Federal Trade Commission to prevent unfair business practices and promote fair competition.
2. He advocated for the establishment of regulatory agencies, which aimed to ensure that bureaucracies operated in the public interest.
3. Wilson's administration saw significant legislation passed, including the Clayton Antitrust Act, which strengthened antitrust laws against monopolies.
4. His commitment to democracy included a belief that bureaucratic institutions should be accountable to elected officials and ultimately to the citizens.
5. Wilson's push for a League of Nations was an early effort to create international bureaucratic organizations aimed at maintaining world peace after WWI.

Review Questions

• How did Woodrow Wilson's New Freedom policy reflect his views on bureaucracy and government intervention?
  • Wilson's New Freedom policy emphasized limited government intervention in the economy while also recognizing the need for regulatory measures to promote fair competition. This reflects his understanding that bureaucracy could play a role in protecting citizens from corporate monopolies and ensuring economic fairness. By advocating for reforms that regulated big businesses while also promoting individual opportunity, Wilson sought to create a more balanced approach to governance.
• Discuss how Wilson's establishment of the Federal Reserve Act represents a shift in the control of bureaucratic power in America.
  • The Federal Reserve Act marked a significant shift in how financial power was controlled within the U.S., transferring authority from private banks to a central banking system overseen by the federal government. This act not only established a formal structure for monetary policy but also demonstrated Wilson's belief that bureaucracies should function under democratic control to stabilize and manage the economy effectively. The creation of this institution reflects a growing recognition of the importance of bureaucratic management in maintaining economic stability.
• Evaluate Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points and how they illustrate his vision for international bureaucracy and democracy.
  • Wilson's Fourteen Points outlined his vision for a post-war world based on self-determination, free trade, open diplomacy, and collective security through international cooperation. This framework not only aimed at promoting peace but also set the foundation for international bureaucratic organizations like the League of Nations. His vision emphasized that democracy should not be confined to national borders but extended globally, advocating for a structured approach where international bureaucracies could help manage relations between nations and prevent future conflicts.

Related terms

New Freedom: A domestic policy program by Wilson aimed at providing greater economic opportunities for all while ensuring that government plays a role in regulating monopolies.

Federal Reserve Act: A landmark law passed in 1913 that created the Federal Reserve System, establishing a central banking system to stabilize the economy.

Fourteen Points: A statement of principles for peace that Wilson proposed as a basis for negotiations to end World War I, emphasizing self-determination and international cooperation.