| Woodrow Wilson needlessly got the US involved in a European squabble, not only causing the deaths of thousands of Americans but breaking the existing stalemate, leading to the conditions imposed on Germany that ultimately allowed Hitler to rise to power. He also imprisoned people who dared to speak out against the war, including Eugene Debs. In addition, the income tax and the Federal Reserve came into existence under his authority, both of which represent an enormous transfer of wealth from the productive sector to the politically connected, and without these institutions, the US would not be able to wage perpetual war, both abroad and at home against its own citizens (war on drugs, etc.). In terms of his effect on history, he was probably the worst president. He definitely belongs on this list. Tiger Woods? I have no idea why he is on here. He should be replaced with mass murderer Harry Truman, the only world leader in history to order nukes dropped on civilians. |