Woodrow Wilson

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Woodrow Wilson stands as a singular figure in American history, distinguished by his unique combination of academic brilliance and political power. He is the only U.S. president to hold a doctoral degree, a testament to his deep intellectual engagement with governance. His receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize remains a rare honor for an American president, recognizing his visionary efforts to establish the League of Nations and prevent future global conflicts. His legislative achievements, particularly the creation of the Federal Reserve System and the modern income tax, fundamentally reshaped the American economy and remain pillars of the nation's financial infrastructure today.

AwardsWoodrow Wilson received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for his role as the principal architect of the League of Nations and his efforts to secure world peace following World War I. He was inducted into the National Governors Association Hall of Fame. He received numerous honorary degrees from universities including Oxford, Cambridge, and Yale. He also received keys to several major cities, including London and Paris, for his diplomatic efforts. He is recognized by the American Political Science Association for his contributions to political science and public administration.

Honours & Distinctions

National Governors Association Hall of Fame

National Governors Association·1965

Inducted posthumously for his service as Governor of New Jersey.

Honorary Degree from Oxford University

Oxford University·1919

Awarded an honorary doctorate for his contributions to international relations.

Key to the City of London

City of London·1918

Presented in recognition of his diplomatic efforts during World War I.

American Political Science Association Lifetime Achievement

American Political Science Association·1920

Recognized for his foundational contributions to political science.

Rankings & Lists

#12

Greatest Presidents Survey

C-SPAN·2021

Most Influential People of the 20th Century

TIME Magazine·1999

Magazine Covers

TIME

1919-01-06

Woodrow Wilson: The Man Who Made Peace

National Geographic

1919-06-01

Wilson's Journey to Paris

Records & Feats

Only Ph.D. President

Historic First·1886

Woodrow Wilson is the only U.S. president to hold a doctoral degree.

First Sitting President to Travel Abroad

Historic First·1918

Wilson was the first sitting U.S. president to travel to Europe to negotiate peace.

Only Democrat in Progressive Era

Career Milestone·1913

He was the only Democrat to serve as president during the Republican-dominated Progressive Era.