Synopses & Reviews
A comprehensive account of the rise and fall of one of the major shapers of American foreign policyOn the eve of his inauguration as president, Woodrow Wilson commented, "It would be the irony of fate if my administration had to deal chiefly with foreign affairs." As America was drawn into the Great War in Europe, Wilson drew on his scholarship, his principles, and the political savvy of his advisors to overcome his ignorance of world affairs and lead the country out of isolationism. The product of his efforts--his vision of the United States as a nation uniquely suited for moral leadership by virtue of its democratic tradition--is a view of foreign policy that is still in place today.
Acclaimed historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist H. W. Brands offers a clear, well-informed, and timely account of Wilsons unusual route to the White House, his campaign against corporate interests, his struggles with rivals at home and allies abroad, and his decline in popularity and health following the rejection by Congress of his League of Nations. Wilson emerges as a fascinating man of great oratorical power, depth of thought, and purity of intention.
Review
"Though recent events cast doubt on Brands's statement that Wilson's views...have triumphed...his contribution to the American Presidents series, edited by Arthur M. Schlesinger, is a stirring reminder of the ideals that underlie American policy." Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
Praise for H. W. Brands: "Clear and sprightly ... Rich in the description of settings, personalities, and action ... It offers a lively re-introduction of Franklin ..." -- The New Republic, on The First American
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 153-156) and index.
About the Author
H. W. Brands is Distinguished Professor of History at Texas A&M University. His previous books include the Pulitzer Prize finalist
The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin, The Age of Gold, and a biography of Teddy Roosevelt. He lives in Austin, Texas.