Woodrow Wilson and international human rights

Though Woodrow Wilson is well-known for his efforts on behalf of the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations in 1919, he is not often credited with the promotion of international human rights. Recognition of international human rights is usually associated with the establishment of the United Nations in 1945.; This dissertation argues that Wilson sought to establish international human rights, including universal suffrage, national self-determination, racial equality, religious freedom, and the rights of organized labor at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919. It argues that Wilson believed the League of Nations would promote international human rights, rather than function simply as a "collective security" agency, as is commonly believed. Wilson's concern for international human rights was an extension of his domestic policies during the Progressive Era, and an extension of his academic political theory.