Helen Dortch Longstreet

Woodrow and the Granddaughters of a President: a Political Criticism Helen Dortch Longstreet

This essay by Helen Dortch Longstreet appeals to "Progressives" not to re-elect Woodrow Wilson as President of the United States. Wilson white supremacist views and segregationalist policies in the federal government offended Helen's sense of "fair play." Woodrow Wilson "not only abided but encouraged the rise of Jim Crow. As President of the United States, Wilson allowed his cabinet officials to establish official segregation in most federal government offices, in some departments for the first time since 1863." Helen calls him a smooth talker . . . an unrealistic dreamer with no real record to speak of after four years in office. Helen says "his words never square with his deeds." Helen Longstreet amply demonstrates her ability as a political critic in this short essay.