Wilson Administrations - Post-presidential Years

Post-presidential Years

Wilson had, despite his illness, entertained thoughts of seeking a third term as president in 1920. The Democratic Party refused to consider it, however, and Wilson left office in March 1921, embittered by the Senate's unwillingness to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. He had won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1920, however, and used the money to purchase a comfortable townhouse in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. He thus became the only retired president to remain in Washington after the expiration of his term. He served as a law partner with Bainbridge Colby, who had served in his cabinet, but his physical debilitation prevented active work. He emerged publicly on several occasions, notably Armistice Day 1921, when he was cheered by thousands as he rode in his carriage to the funeral of the Unknown Soldier of World War I (1914–18). For the most part, however, he lived a quiet life and died on...

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