The United States will vote on November 5. The stage is set for the 2024 presidential election. The two major political parties – the Democrats and the Republicans – nominated their candidates through a series of primaries and caucuses. On the Republican side, it’s former President Donald Trump. His rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, emerged as the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden decided not to seek re-election.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, let’s take a look at the American presidents who have shaped the country’s history since 1900.
William McKinley (1897–1901)
William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1897 until his assassination on September 14, 1901. During his presidency, he guided the country to victory in the Spanish–American War of 1898 and enacted protective tariffs. Strengthening American industry. During the 100-day Spanish–American War, the US defeated the Spanish fleet outside the port of Santiago in Cuba, captured Manila in the Philippines, and annexed Puerto Rico.
Theodore Roosevelt (1901–1909)
Following the assassination of President William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, at the age of 42, assumed the presidency and became the 26th and youngest president in American history. Roosevelt injected new energy and purpose into the office, supporting progressive reforms and emphasizing a strong foreign policy. Internationally, Roosevelt made a significant mark by mediating the Russo-Japanese War, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize and cementing his reputation as a formidable leader.
William Howard Taft (1909–1913)
William Howard Taft was elected as the 27th President of the United States, serving from 1909 to 1913. Following his presidency, he became the 10th Chief Justice of the United States, holding the position from 1921 to 1930. Served in both these important roles.
Woodrow Wilson (1913–1921)
Woodrow Wilson, a leading figure of the Progressive movement, served as the 28th President of the United States. Advocating a policy of neutrality at the beginning of World War I, Wilson later decided to lead America into the conflict to “make the world safe for democracy.” His leadership during the war and his vision for the post-war order, including the establishment of the League of Nations, marked important developments in both domestic and international politics.
Warren G. Harding (1921–1923)
Warren G. Harding, an Ohio Republican, served as the 29th President of the United States from 1921 until his death in 1923. While his presidency was marred by significant scandals, notably the Teapot Dome affair, Harding also supported and demonstrated technological progress. Sensitivity towards challenges faced by minorities and women. The goal of his administration was to promote a return to normalcy after World War I, economic stability and growth during a transformative era in American history.
Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929)
As the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge was steadfast in his commitment to maintaining traditional values of thrift and moderation during a period of substantial material prosperity that many Americans experienced in the 1920s.
Herbert Hoover (1929–1933)
Herbert Hoover’s time in office coincided with the beginning of the Great Depression. His opponents in Congress, whom he believed were undermining his efforts for their own political gain, portrayed him as an insensitive and careless leader. As economic difficulties deepened, Hoover became a scapegoat for the country’s conflicts, ultimately suffering a significant defeat in the 1932 election.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945)
Franklin D. Roosevelt is one of the most iconic presidents in American history. Assuming the presidency at the height of the Great Depression, Roosevelt worked tirelessly to restore the American people’s confidence in himself and his government. He offered hope through his promise of quick and vigorous action, famously once declaring, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” His leadership during World War II cemented America’s position as a global superpower. As World War II neared its conclusion, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s health began to decline. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1945, in Warm Springs, Georgia.
Harry S. Truman (1945–1953)
After becoming President, Truman faced some of the most important decisions in history. Shortly after Victory (VE) Day in Europe, the war against Japan was nearing its end. Japan’s immediate appeal for surrender was rejected. After consulting his advisors, Truman made the decisive choice to drop atomic bombs on cities engaged in war production, particularly Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This led to Japan’s surrender, ending World War II.
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1961)
Eisenhower, a decorated World War II general, presided over a period of postwar prosperity. Bringing the reputation of a commanding general who led victorious armies in Europe during World War II, Eisenhower secured an armistice in Korea and worked to reduce Cold War tensions during his two terms. He supported liberal policies under the banner of “modern Republicanism”.
John F. Kennedy (1961–1963)
John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States and the youngest president ever elected to the position. Tragically, on November 22, 1963, just over 1,000 days into his presidency, JFK was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, making him the youngest president to die in office. His administration is remembered for significant events and initiatives including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the establishment of the Peace Corps.
Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)
Lyndon B. Under Johnson’s leadership, the country made significant progress in space exploration. During the Vietnam War, despite Johnson’s efforts to stop communist aggression and compromise, fighting continued. By the end of March 1968, controversy over the war had intensified, causing him to limit bombing of North Vietnam in order to begin peace talks.
Richard Nixon (1969–1974)
Richard Nixon was elected as the 37th President of the United States after previously serving as a U.S. Representative and Senator from California. He made significant achievements, including the withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam and enhancing diplomatic relations with the USSR and China. He ultimately became the first president in history to resign from office due to the Watergate scandal.
Gerald Ford (1974–1977)
After Nixon’s resignation, Gerald Ford assumed the presidency and accepted the huge challenge of restoring public confidence in the government. He was the first Vice President elected under the provisions of the Twenty-fifth Amendment and became the first President to resign from office amid the Watergate scandal. Ford faced difficult tasks, including dealing with inflation, reviving the struggling economy, alleviating chronic energy shortages, and attempting to maintain world peace.
Jimmy Carter (1977–1981)
Jimmy Carter’s presidency is known for his focus on human rights and environmental issues. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to resolve international conflicts through peaceful means, promote democracy and human rights, and support economic and social development.
Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)
Ronald Reagan, a former actor, served as the 40th President of the United States. His presidency marked a period of economic recovery and prosperity domestically, as well as a foreign policy aimed at achieving “peace through strength”. Reagan’s administration focused on reducing government spending, cutting taxes, and strengthening the military, which he believed would strengthen America’s position on the global stage.
George H.W. Bush (1989–1993)
George H. W. Bush’s presidency was characterized by major foreign policy successes, notably the Gulf War, which liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The biggest challenge for them arose when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and threatened Saudi Arabia. In response, Bush mobilized the United Nations and mobilized US troops supported by the allies. After weeks of air strikes, a ground offensive – Operation Desert Storm – defeated Iraq’s army of millions in just 100 hours. This victory initially boosted Bush’s popularity. However, back home, economic troubles, increasing violence in the inner cities, and high deficit spending diminished his support.
Bill Clinton(1993–2001)
Bill Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States, assuming office at the end of the Cold War. As the first president of the Baby Boomer generation, he represented a change in American leadership. However, his presidency faced significant turmoil. In 1998, Clinton became the second US president to be impeached by the House of Representatives due to controversies related to personal indiscretions with a young White House intern. However, the Senate voted to acquit Clinton, saving his presidency.
George W. Bush (2001–2009)
George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, became a wartime leader following the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The event reshaped Bush’s presidency, forcing him to abandon many of his initial hopes and plans. His father, the 41st President, George H.W. Bush, commented that his son “faces the greatest challenge of any president since Abraham Lincoln.”
Barack Obama (2009–2017)
Barack Obama served as the 44th President of the United States, embodying the essence of the American dream. His journey reflects core American values: a middle-class upbringing rooted in a supportive family, a belief in hard work and education as the path to success, and a deep belief that a fortunate life should be dedicated to the service of others.
Donald Trump (2017–2021)
Trump, a businessman, brought a disruptive and unconventional style to the presidency. His administration focused on cutting taxes, deregulation, and America-first policies. Handling the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic challenges largely defined his final year in office. Their refusal to accept the 2020 election results culminated in the Capitol attack on January 6.
Joe Biden (2021–present)
Biden’s presidency has focused on addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and addressing social inequalities. His administration passed the American Rescue Plan and launched initiatives to improve infrastructure and climate resiliency. Biden also oversaw the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, ending 20 years of war.
