Barry Hankins
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- June 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198718376
- eISBN:
- 9780191787676
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198718376.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History, Religion and Society
Wilson’s first year in the White House proved as successful as his governorship in enacting progressive reforms. By 1914, he had become one of the more successful presidents in American history ...
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Wilson’s first year in the White House proved as successful as his governorship in enacting progressive reforms. By 1914, he had become one of the more successful presidents in American history domestically. As his presidency unfolded he continued to transfer to the nation prerogatives formerly reserved for the church. America, in his view, became the central agent of righteousness in the world. But progressivism was primarily for whites. Race and, to a lesser extent, gender remained impervious to Wilsonian reform. After assuring African Americans of equal justice, Wilson oversaw and defended the segregation of several departments of the federal governments, much to the chagrin of African American leaders who had supported his election.Less
Wilson’s first year in the White House proved as successful as his governorship in enacting progressive reforms. By 1914, he had become one of the more successful presidents in American history domestically. As his presidency unfolded he continued to transfer to the nation prerogatives formerly reserved for the church. America, in his view, became the central agent of righteousness in the world. But progressivism was primarily for whites. Race and, to a lesser extent, gender remained impervious to Wilsonian reform. After assuring African Americans of equal justice, Wilson oversaw and defended the segregation of several departments of the federal governments, much to the chagrin of African American leaders who had supported his election.
