Synopses & Reviews
Saunders complements an understanding of the origins and evolution of Woodrow Wilson's beliefs, particularly the notion of stewardship, with an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of his leadership and the historical context within which he pursued his dreams. Based upon a thorough and systematic analysis of the available primary sources, this work explores Wilson's relationship with his parents, his wives, and his professional and political colleagues. It examines his conduct of domestic and foreign policy from 1913-1921, as well as his inner turmoil over professed beliefs which conflicted with the demands of leadership. This detailed account records the social background, beliefs, and behavior of one of America's most controversial and significant 20th century leaders.
Woodrow Wilson is perceived as the epitome of the modern idealist who took the United States into World War I to make the world safe for democracy; however, this book will show that this view of Wilson is fraught with more than the usual distortions. With the end of the Cold War and the publication of the full body of Wilson's papers, it is now possible to examine Wilson in a new and more complete light. The tensions between Wilson's private ambitions and his public role refute the main stereotype of him as an idealist.
Review
In covering the Wilson presidency, Saunders asserts that Wilson the diplomat, who has frequently been portrayed as a moralist and ideologue, actually employed principles as a means to an end. Indeed, Wilson's call for war against Germany in 1917 was to ensure that the US would have a significant role in the peace talks at the end of the conflict and thus allow Wilson to seek an unchecked hegemonic global stewardship for the US based on its own prosperity and security....Sauders makes extensive use of the papers of Woodrow Wilson....Recommended for general readers, undergraduates, and graduate students.Choice
Review
Saunders's study is unique...we get a satisfactory... overview of Wilson's "Beliefs and Behavior."Canadian Journal of History/Annales canadiennes d'histories
Synopsis
Saunders complements an understanding of the origins and evolution of Woodrow Wilson's beliefs, particularly the notion of stewardship, with an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of his leadership and the historical context within which he pursued his dreams. Based upon a thorough and systematic analysis of the available primary sources, this work explores Wilson's relationship with his parents, his wives, and his professional and political colleagues. It examines his conduct of domestic and foreign policy from 1913-1921, as well as his inner turmoil over professed beliefs which conflicted with the demands of leadership. This detailed account records the social background, beliefs, and behavior of one of America's most controversial and significant 20th century leaders.
Synopsis
An understanding of the origins and evolution of Woodrow Wilson's beliefs, particularly the notion of stewardship, with an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of his leadership and the historical context within which he pursued his dreams.
About the Author
ROBERT M. SAUNDERS is Professor of History at Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia.
Table of Contents
Years of Preparation
Academic Apprenticeship
Princeton Professor
President of Princeton
Entrance Into Politics
Political Power Broker
Modern Mediator
The Nobility of War
Mobilizing for War
Crisis and Control
Stewardship and National Interests: Wilson Goes to the Peace Conference
Stewardship and National Interests: Wilson and the League
Stewardship and National Interests: Procedural Problems, Publicity, Pacifying Germany, Placating Clemenceau, Preliminary Peace Terms, Perils of Bolshevism
Nationalism and Stewardship
Compromise and United States Decision
The Quest for Hegemony
Nationalism
Return
The Western Speaking Tour: Eighteenth Century Values in the Twentieth Century
From Stroke to Frustrated Candidate: Ambition and the Common good
Depression, Determination, Disinterestedness, Demise
Bibliography
Index