-On Oct. 2, 1919, at a time when he was embroiled in crucial negotiations to end World War I, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a debilitating stroke.
-Normally, the vice president would have ascended to the presidency in this situation, but the doctor convinced Mrs. Wilson that the president’s resignation would have a dire effect on both the country’s morale and the president’s health.
-For over a year, the president of the United States was almost completely incapacitated, the citizenry was left in the dark about his condition and vital decisions that shaped the country’s future were left in the hands of an unelected first lady with no history in politics and interest in little besides her husband’s health.
-“Between Sept. 30 and Nov. 18, 1919,” writes Hazelgrove, “28 acts would become law because of the president’s failure to respond within the requisite 10 days.” President Wilson never saw these bills — the decision to let them become law was made by Edith Wilson.
-While it’s pure speculation, some have surmised that US participation in the League of Nations might have helped prevent World War II.
