Wilson Administrations - Wilson's Advisers

Wilson's Advisers

Wilson was surrounded by a group of exceptionally strong and able advisers, both in his cabinet and among his informal "kitchen" cabinet. His closest adviser for most of his administration was "Colonel" Edward M. House, who accepted no official post but carved out a role for himself as Wilson's alter ego and all-around sounding board. (A wealthy Texan, House was not a military man; the title was a political moniker given to him by a friend.) House idealized Wilson, whom he first met in 1911 in New York, but House was extremely insecure with his unofficial, but highly influential position. He frequently worked to undermine and obstruct the president's other advisers, including Treasury secretary William G. McAdoo. His desire for importance in foreign affairs often caused him to disregard and exceed his instructions. Eventually these habits caught up with him, and in 1919 Wilson fired House from the delegation to the...

[The entire page is 852 words long]

Join eNotes

The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:

eNotes Pass