American History: Foreign Events Begin to Shape Wilson’s Presidency

29 September 2010

Woodrow Wilson and his cabinet seated around table, 1913.

BOB DOUGHTY: Welcome to THE MAKING OF A NATION -- American history in VOA Special English.

Woodrow Wilson's first year as president showed the American people that they had elected a strong and effective leader. Wilson took office in nineteen thirteen. He moved quickly to fulfill his campaign promises. He won congressional approval for lower import taxes, a new tax on earnings, and restrictions on the power of big companies.

These were some of the most important economic reforms the nation had seen in many years.

This week in our series, Larry West and Maurice Joyce continue the story of Wilson's administration.

LARRY WEST: Most of Woodrow Wilson's political victories were on national issues. He had little experience with international issues. But foreign events soon began to demand more and more of his time. With all of his successes at home, it is a surprising fact of history that his presidency is remembered best for its foreign policy.

The story of Woodrow Wilson's foreign policy is full of high ideas and political bravery. But it also is a story of fierce struggle and lost hopes. It is a story that begins across America's southern border--in Mexico.

MAURICE JOYCE: At that time, Mexico had been ruled for many years by Porfirio Diaz. As Diaz grew older, his power began to weaken. In nineteen eleven, a revolt broke out. It was led by Francisco Madero, the leader of a land reform movement. Diaz understood he could not win. He resigned and fled the country.