Woodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism (American Intellectual Culture)

Woodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism (American Intellectual Culture) | Ronald J. Pestritto | Great book!

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	Woodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism (American Intellectual Culture) Ronald J. Pestritto Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2005 - 296 pages average customer review:based on 18 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Woodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism highlights Wilson's sharp departure from the traditional principles of American government, most notably the Constitution. Ronald J. Pestritto persuasively argues that Wilson's unfailing criticism places him clearly in line with the Progressives' assault on the original principles of American constitutionalism. Drawing primarily from early writings and speeches that Wilson made during his years as a scholar, Pestritto examines the future president's clear and consistent ideologies that laid the foundation for later actions taken as a public leader.

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A Very Different Viewpoint

In this book, Pestritto delves into the education and political ideologies of Woodrow Wilson. He uses many of Wilson's writings during his education to show the historicist nature of his political upbringing and, throughout the work, Pestritto supports his idea that Wilson's thinking differed substantially from the political thinking of the founders. Pestritto also uses the writings to show Wilson's praise and support of foreign governments such as the British parliamentary system. Pestritto presents a radical new vision for these modern times. I have heard and read many things about Woodrow Wilson, but this is the first piece that offers a truly critical view of Wilson's political ideology.
Pestritto delivers his argument masterfully with in depth evidence from Wilson's scholarly writings and firsthand accounts. Nearly all of his evidence comes from Wilson's literary works such as Constitutional Government and The State among others. The Analysis of Wilson's thought is thorough, well organized and planned, straight to the point. Pestritto does not beat around the bush in this book, which should receive high praise, especially during these modern times when politics are aiming to misguide and deceive the people of their true intentions. This book is not accompanied by graphics or visual aids but rather is a straight up read which may get extremely dry at times. One strategy that Pestritto uses that I find extremely helpful is that he writes down all of his sources and side notes at the end of each chapter, including the introduction and conclusion. I would say that although this book is fairly straight forward and well developed, it may be confusing to less experienced readers.
Personally, I think that Pestritto presents a very convincing argument that has changed my views of Woodrow Wilson. Before, I hadn't heard much in depth thinking of Wilson and had assumed all the praise given to him was a worthy justification. But now I see Wilson for what he represented and can only wonder how an extreme radical could gain so much power and influence over the people. I applaud Pestritto for his work, though I was quite bored and confused at times, because it shows the side of Wilson that was beforehand ignored, whether it was unintentional or deliberate. Not only has this book given me insight on one of the greatest political minds of the early twentieth century, but it has revealed why some aspects of the modern political realm have become so skewed from that of the Constitution and of the founding thought. I strongly advise anyone and everyone to read this book, whether or not it changes your view of Woodrow Wilson. I believe that this book could be a cornerstone to present political thought because it reveals so much about the thinking behind progressivism.

Note: This critique was written as a homework assignment. Any feedback is greatly appreciated

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Great book!

This is a very scholarly work which may need to be read more than once. It explains the influence that European governments had on some U.S. leaders in the 20th Century.

Progressivism takes flight

The information provided in this book about Woodrow Wilson, our 28th President, comes mainly from WW. Prior to becoming president, he wrote extensively about his thoughts of government, and how the founding documents of the United States negatively impacted the way government was allowed, to operate. He was of the mind, much as President Obama, that our Constitution is far too restrictive. President Obama has referred to it as a fundamentally flawed and negative document because it tells what government can't do but doesn't say what government can do for the people (...for the people is his turn of phrase. I would say ...to the people). Also, he, WW, thought the Declaration of Independence should be read sans the opening paragraph(This is the age of Darwin don'tcha know?.

The way "progressives" promoted or sold their ideas to the public then, was along the lines of ...our founders and their ideas were all right for them and those of their time. Now, however, they seem quaint and are not relevant for moderns; people of the 20th century. You can see where that tack would be appealing to a people making amazing technological advances. It would seem you were part of a new age. The ideas and principals of a bunch of dudes from the 18th century were not timeless, but of another time.

It was, to me, very enlightening. As one learns more about the era of Wilson, it becomes evident how strong the philosophy of "progressivism" took hold. It's surprising we aren't more oppressed by government than we are. The book is well written. I'm can understand how to some it might seem laborious. I was warned of this in advance. I, however, excepting for a couple of chapters, found it to be exciting to learn just how much of what the left promotes today, was manifested in the era of, and by, Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson . The ideas had their geneses shortly after the Civil War and developed from there. Another book I will suggest to further understanding the development and propagation of so called "progressive ideas", is "The Metaphysical Club" by Louis Menand. Mr. Menand is definitely a man of the left. The story is about four men (from the era of reference) and how their ideas have impacted much of what Americans, in all levels of education, have been and are taught, and how those ideas have permeated our society as a whole.

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OUCH!!

This one will make your head hurt...a lot of info on the early stages of 'progressivism' in the UnitedStates and how they feel the gov't should be setup and run....very much in conflict with the Framers of the Constitution.

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