Wilson is an acclaimed biography of former US President, Woodrow Wilson written by A. Scott Berg. Published in 2013, Wilson paints a vivid portrait of one of America's most influential presidents, offering an authoritative window into Wilson's personal life and his impact on the nation.
Woodrow Wilson was born in 1856, in Virginia. He grew up in a tight-knit family, attended educational institutions like Davidson College, Johns Hopkins University, and Princeton University, and practiced law before beginning his political career. He was a vocal proponent of progressive reform, which saw him elected President of the United States in November 1912. As one of the most active and influential presidents in the country’s history, Wilson was credited with pushing through a number of groundbreaking laws. This included the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation and the fact that he was the first US President to travel overseas for a peace conference.
Wilson’s term in office was tumultuous and full of change though notably he was responsible for spearheading a domestic agenda of unprecedented reform, as well as redefining US foreign policy. He was the leader in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles which ended the Great War, and for pushing for the formation of the League of Nations to maintain international stability. During his two terms, he was also responsible for pushing forward some of the most important domestic reforms in US history, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Reserve System.
Wilson's tumultuous term in office was, however, marked with crisis as he was also blamed for failing to confront the excesses of an oligarchic America. He heavily failed to confront key civil rights issues, including women's suffrage, racial segregation, and anti-lynching laws.
At the same time, Wilson had a very vigorous public life and was deeply involved with intellectual pursuits largely stimulated by his religious beliefs and by his exposure to the works of scholars like William James. He had a passionate belief in democracy and wanted to pursue an internationalist agenda to keep the peace. He also made use of propaganda to a alarming degree to sway public opinion on issues from racial justice to the Treaty of Versailles.
A. Scott Berg’s excellent Wilson attempts to put a human face on a complex historical figure and is arguably the most influential biography of the president. Berg’s work has been praised for its rich exploration of Wilson’s personality, as well as its thorough analysis of the issues that marked his presidency. With the help of a wide array of source materials that includes Wilson’s diaries, Berg’s Wilson offers a rich, complex portrait of the controversial former commander in chief.
In his book, Berg delves into the many issues central to Wilson’s legacy to explore his strengths and weaknesses. Berg also examines issues like Wilson’s post-White House years, during which he transformed into a compelling humanitarian figure and became a powerful advocate for social justice. By the time of his death in 1924, Wilson had become a respected statesman and one of the most influential leaders of the twentieth century.
Overall, Wilson by A. Scott Berg is a complex, engrossing biography of one of America’s most influential presidents. It provides a deep exploration of the issues and people that shaped Wilson’s life, and offers insight into his motivations and beliefs. This biography is sure to be appreciated by both historians and casual readers alike, as it unpacks its subject in an incisive and engaging manner.
