Men in Crisis: Wilson vs. the Senate

Dating to 1964, this episode of the David Wolper produced program "Men in Crisis" is entitled "Wilson vs. the Senate." This documentary looks at the era immediately after World War I, when President Woodrow Wilson sought to create a lasting peace through the League of Nations. Despite initial public support, Wilson faced fierce opposition from the U.S. Senate, especially from Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, who feared the League would compromise American sovereignty. Wilson's refusal to compromise, combined with his deteriorating health and eventual stroke, weakened his political influence. His nationwide speaking tour to rally public backing ended in collapse, and the Senate ultimately rejected the treaty. The United States never joined the League of Nations, which failed to prevent future global conflict. However, in 1945, the United Nations was established, blending Wilson’s vision with Lodge’s concerns, shaping a new global order.




00:00
President Woodrow Wilson begins a 10,000-mile journey across the United States to rally public support for the League of Nations, which is facing fierce opposition in the Senate. The resulting battle will shape the future of America’s role in global peace.

1:30:
On November 11, 1918, World War I ends, and Wilson views the Allied victory as a mandate to reshape international relations. He is determined to "make the world safe for democracy."

2:30: 0
Wilson’s background as an academic, Princeton president, and governor of New Jersey informs his idealistic worldview. He lacks political flexibility crucial for negotiation.

3:30: In the 1918 midterm elections, Republicans win control of Congress. Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, a longtime Wilson critic becomes a central figure in the opposition.

4:30: On December 4, 1918, Wilson becomes the first sitting U.S. president to travel to Europe. At the Paris Peace Conference, he vigorously promotes the League of Nations. Lodge starts laying the groundwork for opposition back home.

6:00:
In February 1919, Wilson returns to the U.S. and is met with enthusiastic crowds in Boston. 7:30:
Wilson heads back to Paris to finalize the treaty. He suffers from what may have been a mild stroke but refuses to slow down.

9:00:
On June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles is signed, including the League of Nations as Wilson intended. He returns home drained and visibly unwell.

10:30: On July 10, 1919, Wilson formally presents the treaty to the Senate. Lodge offers compromise amendments, but Wilson rejects them outright.

12:00:
Wilson appears before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, an extraordinary step for a sitting president. He remains unwilling to accept any changes.

13:30:
On September 3, 1919, Wilson embarks on a cross-country speaking tour to rally public opinion, framing the League as a moral imperative.

15:00:
Wilson delivers thirteen speeches in just eight days. Opponents like Senators Hiram Johnson and William Borah campaign against the treaty.

16:30:
Public momentum seems to swing in Wilson’s favor. His health is deteriorating rapidly under the strain.

18:00: On September 23, 1919, the Senate delivers a procedural defeat to Wilson. Lodge refuses to support any treaty amendments bearing his name.

19:30:
On September 25 in Pueblo, Colorado, Wilson gives his final speech. His voice is weak, and afterward, he collapses. 21:00:
On October 2, 1919, Wilson suffers a massive stroke that leaves him paralyzed on his left side. Isolated and incapacitated, he still refuses to allow any amendments to the treaty.

22:30 The Senate ultimately rejects the Treaty of Versailles and the USA never joins the League of Nations. Wilson, broken in body and spirit, finishes his term isolated and ineffective. The League fails to prevent future conflict. However, in 1945, the United Nations is established, combining Wilson’s vision of peace with Lodge’s insistence on national sovereignty.