Who Was More Popular: Abraham Lincoln or Woodrow Wilson?

When considering the popularity of Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson, it's essential to delve into historical context, political landscape, and public perception.

Context and Public Perception

Wilson’s presidency concluded with the return of Republican control of the White House. In contrast, Lincoln, although unpopular with both abolitionists and Confederates, was succeeded by a Republican, US Grant. Public loyalty to a party suggests significant popularity, but this only becomes clearer when examining other aspects of the two leaders.

Legacy and Popularity

Lincoln’s popularity endured and grew steadily over the years, while Wilson’s legacy has faced significant decline. By the end of Wilson's second term, he was so despised that the 1924 Republican candidate, Warren G. Harding, did not even have to campaign much, securing one of the largest landslides in recent history. This stark contrast demonstrates the fluctuating nature of public perception.

However, it's important to note that both Lincoln and Wilson did not run in all states during their terms. Lincoln did not secure party nominations in 10 states and only ran in 11, while Wilson campaigned in all 48 states.

Challenges and Competitive Campaigns

Both Lincoln and Wilson faced significant challenges from third and fourth parties. In their re-elections, Lincoln secured a majority of remaining states, while Wilson did not achieve the same level of support.

Lincoln’s experience level is often cited as one of the least experienced to win the presidency, serving just a single term in the House and eight years in the state house of Illinois. Similarly, Wilson had only two years as governor of New Jersey.

Comparative Popularity

While neither achieved a majority in the popular vote, Lincoln received slightly more than 40%, compared to Wilson's just over 40%. However, counting only the states where they ran, Lincoln clearly held the edge, as he did not run in ten states and only ran in eleven.

Assassination and Legacy

Lincoln faced no significant assassination threats during his presidency, while Wilson experienced an assassination attempt on his vice president, though no one was killed. These events give further clues to their relative popularity, but they alone do not settle the issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it could be argued that both Lincoln and Wilson had their merits, Lincoln’s enduring legacy and broad support across the nation indicate that he was more popular in almost any context. Wilson's legacy, marked by diminished public sentiment and a significant decline by the time of Harding's victory, suggests that Lincoln was indeed the more popular of the two.

Key Takeaways:

Lincoln's popularity grew steadily over the years. Wilson's legacy has significantly declined after his second term. Counting only the states where they ran, Lincoln held a clear edge. Lincoln’s political experience was less than Wilson’s, but he still managed to secure the presidency.

Both Lincoln and Wilson face unique challenges in understanding the public's perception, but the broader historical context suggests that Lincoln was more popular.