Question

How did Woodrow Wilson’s presidential win in 1912 set a precedent?

Answer 1

The Republican party allowed enough votes, both popular and electoral, to go to Wilson

Answer 2

Wilson's presidential win in 1912 set a precedent in the fact that Wilson won the electoral college but less than fifty percent of the popular vote.

Historical context:

In the 1912 election, the Republican Party was divided. Its conservative wing supported President William Howard Taft for reelection. Theodore ("Teddy") Roosevelt, who had been President from 1901-1909, led the progressive wing of the Republicans. Ultimately, Roosevelt and his supporters objected to the nomination of Taft as the Republican candidate, and formed a 3rd party, the Progressive Party, with Roosevelt as their presidential candidate.  Roosevelt won 27% of the popular vote; Taft received 23% of the popular vote. Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson got 42% of the popular vote, but was able to carry 40 states to win the Electoral College vote handily.