46 Presidents

By Ogomez
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    George Washington

    From: Westmoreland County, VA
    Education: Elementary and limited secondary, no college education
    Commanding General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War
    Previous Offices: None before presidency
    Family: Married to Martha Washington
    Post-Presidency: Returned to Mount Vernon, Virginia, and remained active in public life until his death. Set many precedents during his presidency.

  • First naturalization law (George Washington)

    Congress passes the United States' first naturalization law, establishing terms of citizenship.

  • Revolutionary War Debts (George Washington)

    George Washington signs a bill into law that directed the federal government to assume the Revolutionary War debts of the states.

  • Creating a National Bank (George Washington)

    Washington signs the bill on February 25, 1791, to create an official bank of the United States.

  • Warships (George Washington)

    Congress responds to British aggression by authorizing the production of six warships. The Washington administration supported both measures.
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    John Adams

    From: Braintree, Massachusetts
    Education: Graduated from Harvard College
    No military service
    Previous Offices: Vice President under Washington
    Family: Married to Abigail Adams
    Post-Presidency: Retired to his farm in Quincy, Massachusetts, and remained active in public affairs. His son, John Quincy Adams, later became president.

  • Negotiating with France (John Adams)

    Adams appoints a three man commission, composed of Charles C. Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and John Marshall, to negotiate a settlement with France.

  • The 11th Amendment (John Addams)

    It stipulates that federal courts shall not have the jurisdiction over litigation between individuals from one state against individuals from another state.

  • Passing the Alien Act (John Adams)

    Congress passes the Alien Act, granting President Adams the power to deport any alien he deemed potentially dangerous to the country's safety.

  • Washington Appointed Commander in Chief (John Adams)

    Adams appoints George Washington to serve as commander in chief of the United States Army.

  • Sedition Act (John Adams)

    The bill subjects any American citizen to a fine and/or imprisonment for obstructing the implementation of federal law, or for publishing malicious or false writings against Congress, the President, or the government.
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    Thomas Jefferson

    From: Virginia
    Education:: Graduated from the College of William and Mary
    Military Service: No active military service, but served as Governor of Virginia during the Revolutionary War.
    Previously served as Vice President under John Adams.
    Married to Martha Jefferson (died before his presidency), had six children.
    Jefferson is best known for writing the Declaration of Independence. His presidency oversaw the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, among other significant events.

  • Jefferson Addresses Congress (Thomas Jefferson)

    President Jefferson delivers his first address to the newly convened seventh Congress of the United States in writing and is read aloud by the House clerk. Expressing his dislike for ceremony, Jefferson establishes the precedent, not broken until the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, of not delivering the State of the Union address in person.

  • Enabling Act (Thomas Jefferson)

    President Jefferson signs the Enabling Act, establishing procedures under which territories organized under the Ordinance of 1787 can become a state.

  • Louisiana Purchase (Thomas Jefferson)

    On April 30, 1803, representatives from the United States and France signed the Louisiana Purchase Treaty. The terms of the agreement gave all of the Louisiana territory from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains to the United States. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States

  • The 12th Amendment (Thomas Jefferson)

    Congress passes the Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution, requiring electors to vote for President and vice president separately.

  • Raising the American Flag (Thomas Jefferson)

    The French flag is lowered in New Orleans and the U.S. flag raised, symbolizing the transfer of the Louisiana territory from France to the United States.

  • Treaty of Peace and Amity in Tripoli (Thomas Jefferson)

    The United States and Tripoli sign a Treaty of Peace and Amity in Tripoli, effectively ending the Tripolitan War.

  • Building a National Road (Thomas Jefferson)

    Congress authorizes a commission to build a national road from Cumberland, Maryland, to the Ohio River.

  • Prohibiting British Imports (Thomas Jefferson)

    In protest against the seizure of American ships and the impressment of American sailors by Britain, Congress passes a law prohibiting the importation of many British products into the United States.

  • Importation of slaves prohibited (Thomas Jefferson)

    At Jefferson's behest, Congress passes a law prohibiting the importation of slaves into any place within the jurisdiction of the United States after January 1, 1808.

  • The Embargo Act (Thomas Jefferson)

    The Embargo Act, modified and authorized by President Jefferson, now permits vessels to transport American goods from foreign ports.
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    James Madison

    From: Virginia
    Education: Graduated from the College of New Jersey
    Military Service: No active military service, but he played a significant role in politics during the War of Independence.
    Previously served as Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson.
    Married to Dolley Madison, Madison had no biological children.
    Madison is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" for his role in drafting the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

  • Secretary of Treasury (James Madison)

    Madison persuades Albert Gallatin to remain secretary of treasury in the face of strong congressional opposition and discord within Madison's cabinet.

  • Trade Wars (James Madison)

    Under the terms of Macon's Bill Number 2, Madison accepts a French offer to stop confiscation of American supplies and ships. In February 1811, he declares a halt in trade with Britain unless the Orders are repealed. Undeterred, Britain vows to continue to seize American ships until France ends its trade restrictions.

  • Presidential Vetoes (James Madison)

    Madison vetoes two bills of Congress, one granting land in the Mississippi Territory to a Baptist congregation and the other incorporating an Episcopal church in Washington, D.C. Madison argues that both bills violate the non-establishment clause of the First Amendment.

  • Bank of the United States (James Madison)

    The Bank of the United States closes.

  • France sinks U.S. ships (James Madison)

    News arrives that France has sunk American ships carrying flour to British troops in Spain, leading many in Congress to call for war against France. The incident is seen by many as “proof” that France has not repealed edicts against American neutral commerce.

  • British burn Washington (James Madison)

    British forces attack and burn Washington, D.C., setting the White House, the Capitol, and other federal buildings on fire. The United States was ultimately victorious in the War of 1812, and the Treaty of Ghent was signed by both countries in December 1814. Washington, D.C., was gradually rebuilt. It took three years to rebuild the White House

  • Bank Bill Voted (James Madison)

    The House of Representatives passes an amended bank bill as a compromise between Federalists and anti-bank Republicans. The bill is nevertheless unsatisfactory to Madison and Secretary of the Treasury Dallas. Madison vetoes the bank bill on January 30.

  • Convention with Britain (James Madison)

    Gallatin negotiates a commercial convention with Britain, further signifying the potential for the United States to play an important role in international trade and industrialization.

  • Madison's 7th message to Congress (James Madison)

    Madison presents his seventh annual message to Congress, advocating military streamlining, a new national bank, protective tariffs to promote industry, and internal improvements.

  • Re-chartering a national bank (James Madison)

    Madison signs a bill re-chartering a new national bank in Philadelphia. The charter is set for a twenty-one year term.
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    James Monroe

    From: Monroe Hall, Virginia, United States
    Education: Attended College of William and Mary
    Military service: Revolutionary War officer
    Previous offices: Governor of Virginia, Minister to France and UK, Secretary of State, Secretary of War
    Family members: Married to Elizabeth Kortright Monroe
    Important contributions: Authored the Monroe Doctrine, acquired Florida, negotiated treaties with Native American tribes.

  • Aguirre Mission (James Monroe)

    Monroe enunciates a policy of neutrality towards the Latin American colonies seeking independence. He also advocates a controversial fact-finding mission, the Aguirre Mission, to Buenos Aires that could be construed as recognition for the colony's sovereignty.

  • The Panic of 1819 (James Monroe)

    A sharp decline in real estate values and a severe credit contraction (an inability to secure bank loans) inflates the currency and causes imports and prices to fall.

  • McCulloch v. Maryland (James Monroe)

    Under Chief Justice John Marshall, the United States Supreme Court rules against the state of Maryland in McCulloch v. Maryland. In a unanimous decision, the Court finds that states cannot tax federal agencies. The ruling establishes a precedent of broad federal power, marking a blow to states' rights.

  • The Transcontinental Treaty (James Monroe)

    The treaty transfers the Florida's from Spain to the United States for $5 million, and advances the U.S. border across Mexico to the Pacific Ocean. Spain also relinquishes claims to the Oregon Territory.

  • Military Establishment Act (James Monroe)

    Monroe signs the Military Establishment Act, forwarded by Secretary of War Calhoun, to reduce the Army's manpower by 40 percent to 6,126 men.

  • "No-Transfer" Principle (James Monroe)

    This proposal requires European powers to abstain from exchanging colonies or acquiring new possessions from Spain.

  • Cherokee chiefs arrive in Washington (James Monroe)

    Cherokee chiefs arrive in Washington, D.C., to object to the government's removal policies and plead for their sovereign right to stay in Georgia. Originally siding with the Cherokee, Monroe will later reverse his stance on the issue.

  • General Survey Bill (James Monroe)

    Monroe signs the General Survey Bill, departing from his opposition to congressionally sponsored internal improvements. The United States Army Corps of Engineers prepare to produce surveys, plans, and estimates to improve navigation. Monroe subsequently purchases 1,500 shares of stock in the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Co. for $300,000.

  • Tariff of 1824 (James Monroe)

    Monroe signs the Tariff of 1824 into law, implementing protectionist measures in support of local manufactures and goods.

  • Monroe concedes to Indian removal (James Monroe)

    Monroe concedes that the only way to mitigate Indian concerns is through their removal west of the Mississippi.
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    John Quincy Adams

    From: Massachusetts
    Education: Harvard University graduate
    No military service
    Former Secretary of State under President James Monroe
    Married to Louisa Adams, had four children
    Notable for being the first son of a former President to also become President. His presidency faced domestic and foreign challenges. After his presidency, he served in the House of Representatives and became known for his anti-slavery activism, notably arguing the Amistad case before the Supreme Court.

  • Eerie Canal Completed (John Quincy Adams)

    The first passage on the 363 mile-long Erie Canal is completed from Lake Erie to New York City, linking the Atlantic and trans-Atlantic marketplaces with growing agricultural production in the Northwest states.

  • Military Training Manuals Created (John Quincy Adams)

    Military standardization and integration of Union and state militias is a foremost concern during the Adams administration. In response to a proposal by the secretary of war to revamp military organization and seniority systems, a joint House and Senate resolution calls for the production and dispersal of training manuals.

  • Ports closed to British (John Quincy Adams)

    Adams proclaims all American ports closed to trade with British colonies, suspending disagreements from an era of protracted contention with the British over tariffs, navigation and duties. Adams's declaration embodies his response to a rising Continental cartel of exclusive trading relationships.

  • MFN Trade System (John Quincy Adams)

    Additional European states are incorporated into the MFN trade system, the pre-conditions of commercial growth being ëneutral rights,' which began in April 1826.

  • Tariff of Abominations (John Quincy Adams)

    The plan calls for incredibly high tariffs on raw materials to accommodate Western interests and on British woolens to appease New England interests.
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    Andrew Jackson

    Birthplace: Waxhaws region, North and South Carolina border, United States
    Education: Mostly self-educated
    Military service: Revolutionary War courier, War of 1812 general
    Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Senator for Tennessee, Military Governor of Florida
    Family members: Married to Rachel Donelson Jackson
    Important contributions: Won the Battle of New Orleans, expanded suffrage, enforced Native American removal policies.

  • Indian Removal Act (Andrew Jackson)

  • Jackson vetoes Maysville Road bill (Andrew Jackson)

  • Peggy Eaton Fair (Andrew Jackson)

  • French Spoliation Claims (Andrew Jackson)

  • Jackson opposes the Second Bank of the United States (Andrew Jackson)

  • Ordinance of Nullification (Andrew Jackson)

  • Nullification Proclamation (Andrew Jackson)

  • Force Bill (Andrew Jackson)

  • Jackson commissions Edmund Roberts (Andrew Jackson)

  • Jackson recognizes Texas independence (Andrew Jackson)

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    Martin Van Buren

    Birthplace: Kinderhook, New York, United States
    Education: Studied law, no formal education
    Military service: None
    Previous offices: Governor of New York, U.S. Senator for New York, Secretary of State, Vice President under Andrew Jackson
    Family members: Married to Hannah Hoes Van Buren
    Important contributions: Shaped Democratic Party, implemented policies to address economic issues, oversaw the forced relocation of Native American tribes, and supported the annexation of Texas.

  • The Panic of 1837 (Martin Van Buren)

  • Van Buren opposes the annexation of Texas (Martin Van Buren)

  • Rebellion against British (Martin Van Buren)

  • Canadian militia seizes Caroline (Martin Van Buren)

  • Independent Treasury Act (Martin Van Buren)

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    William Henry Harrison

    Birthplace: Charles City County, Virginia, United States
    Education: Attended Hampden-Sydney College
    Military service: Served as an officer in the U.S. Army, during the Northwest Indian War and the War of 1812
    Previous offices: Governor of the Indiana Territory, U.S. Representative for Ohio, Senator for Ohio, Minister to Colombia
    Family members: Married to Anna Tuthill Symmes Harrison
    Important contributions: His military leadership in battles against Native American tribes and the British.

  • Harrison dies of pneumonia (William Henry Harrison)

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    John Tyler

    Birthplace: Charles City County, Virginia, United States
    Education: College of William and Mary graduate
    Military service: None
    Previous offices: Governor of Virginia, U.S. Representative and Senator for Virginia, Vice President under William Henry Harrison
    Family members: Married Letitia Christian Tyler, then Julia Gardiner Tyler.
    Important contributions: Became president after Harrison's death, annexed Texas, faced party conflicts, and dealt with federal-state power struggles.

  • Tyler's cabinet Resigns (John Tyler)

  • Webster-Ashburton Treaty (John Tyler)

  • The Texas Annexation Treaty (John Tyler)

  • First telegraph line completed (John Tyler)

  • John Tyler marries Julia Gardiner (John Tyler)

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    James K. Polk

    Birthplace: Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States
    Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate
    Military service: None
    Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Speaker of the House, Governor of Tennessee
    Family members: Married to Sarah Childress Polk
    Important contributions: Oversaw significant territorial expansion through the annexation of Texas, negotiation of the Oregon Treaty, and the Mexican-American War. Promised and served only one term as president.

  • "Manifest Destiny" (James K. Polk)

  • Texas becomes a state (James K. Polk)

  • War with Mexico (James K. Polk)

  • The Oregon Treaty (James K.Polk)

  • Battle of Gettysburg (Abraham Lincoln)

  • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (James K. Polk)

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    Zachary Taylor

    Birthplace: Barboursville, Virginia, United States
    Education: Limited formal education
    Military service: Extensive military career, serving in the U.S. Army for over 40 years.
    Previous offices: No previous political offices held
    Family members: Married to Margaret Mackall Smith Taylor
    Important contributions: Known as a military hero, Taylor rose to prominence during the Mexican-American War and was elected as the 12th President of the United States.

  • Compromise of 1850 (Zachary Taylor)

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    Millard Fillmore

    Birthplace: Locke, New York, United States
    Education: Mostly self-educated, apprenticed to a cloth maker
    Military service: None
    Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Comptroller of New York, Vice President under Zachary Taylor
    Family members: Married to Abigail Powers Fillmore
    Important contributions: Became president after Taylor's death, signed the Compromise of 1850 to ease sectional tensions over slavery, and initiated trade with Japan through the Treaty of Kanagawa.

  • Fugitive Slave Bill (Millard Fillmore)

  • Compromise of 1850 passes (Millard Fillmore)

  • Brigham Young becomes governor (Millard Fillmore)

  • Treaty with El Salvador (Millard Fillmore)

  • Democrats gain seats (Millard Fillmore)

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    Franklin Pierce

    Birthplace: Hillsborough, New Hampshire, United States
    Education: Bowdoin College graduate
    Military service: Mexican-American War officer
    Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Senator for New Hampshire
    Family members: Married to Jane Means Appleton Pierce
    Important contributions: Supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which heightened tensions over slavery. Oversaw the Gadsden Purchase for railroad construction.

  • Ostend Manifesto (Franklin Pierce)

  • Gadsden Purchase (Franklin Pierce)

  • "Bleeding Kansas" (Franklin Pierce)

  • Kansas-Nebraska Act (Franklin Pierce)

  • Nationality laws amended (Franklin Pierce)

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    James Buchanan

    Birthplace: Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, United States
    Education: Dickinson College graduate
    Military service: None
    Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Senator for Pennsylvania, Secretary of State, Minister to the United Kingdom
    Family members: Never married
    Important contributions: Presidency marked by escalating tensions over slavery, ultimately leading to the Civil War. Criticized for handling of crisis and failure to prevent Southern secession.

  • English Bill Passed (James Buchanan)

  • Lecompton Constitution Defeated (James Buchanan)

  • Harper’s Ferry Raid (James Buchanan)

  • Cooper Union Address (James Buchanan)

  • Constitutional Union Party Nominates Bell (James Buchanan)

  • Morrill Tariff (Abraham Lincoln)

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    Abraham Lincoln

    From: Hardin County, Kentucky
    Education: Largely self-educated, briefly attended formal schooling
    Military Service: None prior to presidency; served as Commander-in-Chief during the Civil War
    Previous Offices: Illinois State Legislature, U.S. House of Representatives
    Family: Married to Mary Todd Lincoln
    Post-Presidency: Assassinated shortly after leaving office. His legacy includes preserving the Union and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.

  • Fort Sumter (Abraham Lincoln)

  • Slavery abolished in D.C. (Abraham Lincoln)

  • Emancipation Proclamation (Abraham Lincoln)

  • Emancipation Proclamation goes into effect (Abraham Lincoln)

  • National Banking Act (Abraham Lincoln)

  • Thirteenth Amendment (Abraham Lincoln)

  • Confederates recruit slaves (Abraham Lincoln)

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    Andrew Johnson

    Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
    Education: Self-educated, apprenticed as a tailor
    Military service: None
    Previous offices: U.S. Representative, Governor, and Senator for Tennessee, Vice President under Abraham Lincoln
    Family members: Married to Eliza McCardle Johnson
    Important contributions: Became president after Lincoln's assassination, clashed with Radical Republicans, and was impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate, narrowly avoiding removal from office.

  • Johnson grants amnesty (Andrew Johnson)

  • Black Code (Andrew Johnson)

  • Johnson vetoes the Civil Rights Act (Andrew Johnson)

  • Fourteenth Amendment (Andrew Johnson)

  • Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge begins (Ulysses S. Grant)

  • First Reconstruction Act (Andrew Johnson)

  • Transcontinental railroad completed (Ulysses S. Grant)

  • Grant vetoes the Private Relief Bill (Ulysses S. Grant)

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    Ulysses S. Grant

    Birthplace: Point Pleasant, Ohio, United States
    Education: United States Military Academy at West Point
    Military service: Union Army general during the Civil War
    Previous offices: None
    Family members: Married to Julia Dent Grant
    Important contributions: Led Union forces to victory in the Civil War. As president, focused on Reconstruction efforts and civil rights for African Americans. Also promoted westward expansion and oversaw implementation of the 15th Amendment.

  • “Black Friday” financial panic (Ulysses S. Grant)

  • Annexation of Santo Domingo (Ulysses S. Grant)

  • Fifteenth Amendment (Ulysses S. Grant)

  • Voting rights and the KKK (Ulysses S. Grant)

  • Ku Klux Klan Act (Ulysses S. Grant)

  • Credit Mobilier and the Union Pacific Railroad (Ulysses S. Grant)

  • Panic of 1873 (Ulysses S. Grant)

  • Civil Rights Act of 1875 (Ulysses S. Grant)

  • Patrolling Mexican border (Rutherford B. Hayes)

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    Rutherford B. Hayes

    Birthplace: Delaware, Ohio, United States
    Education: Graduated from Kenyon College and Harvard Law School
    Military service: Union Army major general during the Civil War
    Previous offices: U.S. Representative for Ohio, Governor of Ohio
    Family members: Married to Lucy Webb Hayes
    Important Contributions: Ended Reconstruction, advocated civil service reform, improved civil rights, focused on education and economic stability.

  • North and South relations (Rutherford B. Hayes)

  • Civil service reform (Rutherford B. Hayes)

  • Great Railroad Strike of 1877 (Rutherford B. Hayes)

  • Knights of Labor (Rutherford B. Hayes)

  • Cleveland Signs Presidential Succession Act (Grover Cleveland)

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    James Garfield

    Birthplace: Orange Township, Ohio, United States
    Education: Graduated from Williams College
    Military service: Served as a major general in the Union Army during the Civil War
    Previous offices: U.S. Representative for Ohio
    Family members: Married to Lucretia Rudolph Garfield
    Important contributions: He advocated for civil service reform and worked to reduce corruption in government. He marked the beginning of efforts to modernize the U.S. Navy and reform the civil service system.

  • Garfield sends nominations to Senate (James Garfield)

  • Dingley Tariff Law (William McKinley)

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    Chester A. Arthur

    Birthplace: Fairfield, Vermont, United States
    Education: Graduated from Union College
    Military service: Served as Quartermaster General in the Union Army during the Civil War
    Previous offices: Collector of the Port of New York, Vice President under James Garfield
    Family members: Married to Ellen Lewis Herndon Arthur
    Important contributions: Presidency marked by civil service reform, including the Pendleton Act. Also worked on modernizing the navy and promoting civil rights.

  • Star-Route Scandal (Chester A. Arthur)

  • First Cabinet meeting (Benjamin Harrison)

  • Edmunds Act Passes (Chester A. Arthur)

  • Arthur appoints Tariff Commission (Chester A. Arthur)

  • U.S. recognizes Korean Independence (Chester A. Arthur)

  • River and Harbor Act vetoed (Chester A. Arthur)

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    Grover Cleveland

    Birthplace: Caldwell, New Jersey, USA
    Education: Self-taught, studied law
    Military: None
    Offices: Mayor of Buffalo, Governor of New York
    Family: Married Frances Folsom Cleveland
    Important Contributions: Served two non-consecutive terms. Focused on fiscal conservatism, tariff and civil service reform. Addressed issues like railroad regulation, labor strikes, and currency reform. Faced challenges including the Panic of 1893 and the Pullman Strike.

  • Accepting the Statue of Liberty (Grover Cleveland)

  • American Federation of Labor (Grover Cleveland)

  • Cleveland addresses Congress (Grover Cleveland)

  • Cleveland vetoes military pensions (Grover Cleveland)

  • Cleveland Signs Dawes Act (Grover Cleveland)

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    Benjamin Harrison

    Birthplace: North Bend, Ohio, USA
    Education: Miami University, studied law
    Military: Colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War
    Offices: U.S. Senator for Indiana
    Family: Married Caroline Harrison
    Important Contributions: Presidency marked by the Sherman Antitrust Act, McKinley Tariff, and Sherman Silver Purchase Act. Focused on civil rights and pension reforms for veterans, but faced criticism for handling the Panic of 1893.

  • Berlin Conference (Benjamin Harrison)

  • First Pan-American Conference (Benjamin Harrison)

  • Harrison's first message to Congress (Benjamin Harrison)

  • Sherman Anti-Trust Act (Benjamin Harrison)

  • Sherman Silver Purchase Act (Benjamin Harrison)

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    Grover Cleveland

    Birthplace: Caldwell, New Jersey, USA
    Education: Self-taught, studied law
    Military: None
    Offices: Mayor of Buffalo, Governor of New York
    Family: Married Frances Folsom Cleveland
    Important Contributions: Served two non-consecutive terms. Focused on fiscal conservatism, tariff and civil service reform. Addressed issues like railroad regulation, labor strikes, and currency reform. Faced challenges including the Panic of 1893 and the Pullman Strike.

  • Cleveland withdraws Hawaiian annexation treaty (Grover Cleveland)

  • The Panic of 1893 (Grover Cleveland)

  • Cleveland's secret operation (Grover Cleveland)

  • Sherman Silver Purchase Act (Grover Cleveland)

  • U.S. Treasury Bonds (Grover Cleveland)

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    William McKinley

    Birthplace: Niles, Ohio, USA
    Education: Attended Allegheny College
    Military: Served in the Union Army during the Civil War
    Offices: Governor of Ohio
    Family: Married to Ida Saxton McKinley
    Contributions: Presidency marked by economic growth and expansion, including protective tariffs and the annexation of Hawaii. Assassinated in 1901, leading to Theodore Roosevelt's presidency.

  • Special session called (William McKinley)

  • Coal mine strikes turn violent (William McKinley)

  • Opposing Cuban autonomy (William McKinley)

  • American defense in Cuba (William McKinley)

  • Maine explodes (William McKinley)

  • Coal miners strike (Theodore Roosevelt)

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    Theodore Roosevelt

    Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
    Education: Harvard University graduate
    Military: Led the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War
    Offices: Governor of New York, Vice President under McKinley
    Family: Married Alice Hathaway Lee Roosevelt, then Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt
    Contributions: Known for progressive policies including trust-busting and conservation efforts. Pursued vigorous foreign policy, mediated end of Russo-Japanese War, advocated for labor rights and consumer protection.

  • Hay-Pauncefote Treaty signed (Theodore Roosevelt)

  • Department of Commerce and Labor created (Theodore Roosevelt)

  • Chinese Exclusion Act (Theodore Roosevelt)

  • Newlands Reclamation Act (Theodore Roosevelt)

  • Philippine Government Act (Theodore Roosevelt)

  • Trade agreements with the Dominican Republic (Theodore Roosevelt)

  • National Monuments Act (Theodore Roosevelt)

  • The Niagara Movement and the NAACP (Theodore Roosevelt)

  • Immigration Act of 1907 (Theodore Roosevelt)

  • Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act (Theodore Roosevelt)

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    William Howard Taft

    From: Cincinnati, Ohio
    Education: Yale College, Cincinnati Law School
    Military Service: Governor-General of the Philippines during the Philippine-American War
    Previous Offices: Solicitor General, Judge, Secretary of War
    Family Members: Married to Helen Herron Taft; three children
    Notable Achievements: Focused on trust-busting as President, served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court afterward.

  • Rockefeller Foundation (Woodrow Wilson)

  • Calling for the 16th Amendment (William Howard Taft)

  • Negotiation with China (William Howard Taft)

  • Supporting tariffs (William Howard Taft)

  • Taft returns from tour (William Howard Taft)

  • Mann Act (William Howard Taft)

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    Woodrow Wilson

    Birthplace: Staunton, Virginia
    Education: Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University (Ph.D. in political science)
    Military Service: None
    Previous Offices Held: Governor of New Jersey
    Family Members: Married twice, three daughters
    Notable Accomplishments: Established Federal Reserve, Federal Trade Commission, led during World War I, advocated for League of Nations.

  • Ford's Model T (Woodrow Wilson)

  • Republic of China Recognized (Woodrow Wilson)

  • 17th Amendment (Woodrow Wilson)

  • Completing the Panama Canal (Woodrow Wilson)

  • Federal Reserve Act (Woodrow Wilson)

  • Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated (Woodrow Wilson)

  • The Panama Canal officially opens (Woodrow Wilson)

  • The Zimmermann Telegram (Woodrow Wilson)

  • Jeannette Rankin, first woman in the House (Woodrow Wilson)

  • Selective Service Act (Woodrow Wilson)

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    Warren G. Harding

    Birthplace: Blooming Grove, Ohio
    Education: Attended Ohio Central College
    Military Service: None
    Previous Offices Held: Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, U.S. Senator from Ohio
    Family Members: Married Florence Kling Harding, no children
    Notable Accomplishments: Involved in Teapot Dome scandal, signed resolution ending World War I.

  • Emergency Quota Act (Warren G. Harding)

  • Emergency Tariff Act (Warren G. Harding)

  • Washington Naval Armament Conference (Warren G. Harding)

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    Calvin Coolidge

    Birthplace: Plymouth Notch, Vermont
    Education: Amherst College
    Military Service: None
    Previous Offices Held: Mayor, Lieutenant Governor, Governor of Massachusetts; Vice President of the United States
    Family Members: Married Grace Goodhue Coolidge, two sons
    Notable Accomplishments: Known for conservative economic policies; oversaw "Roaring Twenties" prosperity.

  • Martial law and the KKK (Calvin Coolidge)

  • Soldiers' Bonus Bill passes (Calvin Coolidge)

  • New immigration law (Calvin Coolidge)

  • Dawes Plan signed (Calvin Coolidge)

  • Marines withdraw from Dominican Rrepublic (Calvin Coolidge)

  • Lindbergh completes his flight (Calvin Coolidge)

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    Herbert Hoover

    Birthplace: West Branch, Iowa
    Education: Stanford University (geology)
    Military Service: Led U.S. Food Administration in WWI
    Previous Offices Held: Secretary of Commerce
    Family Members: Married Lou Henry Hoover, two sons
    Notable Accomplishments: President during Great Depression, signed Smoot-Hawley Tariff, struggled to address economic crisis.

  • State Department intervenes for Standard Oil (Herbert Hoover)

  • Stock index doubles (Herbert Hoover)

  • Construction of Empire State Building begins (Herbert Hoover)

  • "Black Tuesday" (Herbert Hoover)

  • Bank panic begins (Herbert Hoover)

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    Franklin D. Roosevelt

    Birthplace: Hyde Park, New York
    Education: Harvard University, Columbia Law School
    Military Service: Assistant Secretary of the Navy in WWI
    Previous Offices Held: Governor of New York
    Family Members: Married Eleanor Roosevelt, six children
    Notable Accomplishments: Led during Great Depression, implemented New Deal, guided U.S. through WWII, established United Nations.

  • Roosevelt declares a four-day “bank holiday” (FDR)

  • FDR delivers his first “fireside chat” radio address (FDR)

  • Congress passes the Reforestation Relief Act (FDR)

  • Congress passes the Tennessee Valley Act (FDR)

  • Congress passes the Federal Securities Act (FDR)

  • FDR establishes the National Labor Board (FDR)

  • Congress passes the Reciprocal Trade Agreement Act (FDR)

  • Congress passes the Gold Reserve Act (FDR)

  • FDR signs the Home Owners Loan Act (FDR)

  • FDR signs the Securities Exchange Act (FDR)

  • Congress passes the Communications Act (FDR)

  • Period: to

    Harry S. Truman

    Birthplace: Lamar, Missouri
    Education: Various schools, no college degree
    Military Service: U.S. Army captain in WWI
    Previous Offices Held: U.S. Senator, Vice President
    Family Members: Married Bess Truman, one daughter
    Notable Accomplishments: Became president after FDR, dropped atomic bombs, began Cold War, desegregated military, supported United Nations.

  • Germany surrenders (Harry S. Truman)

  • Potsdam Conference (Harry S. Truman)

  • Hiroshima (Harry S. Truman)

  • Nagasaki (Harry S. Truman)

  • Japan Surrenders (Harry S. Truman)

  • Period: to

    Dwight D. Eisenhower

    Birthplace: Denison, Texas
    Education: United States Military Academy at West Point
    Military Service: Five-star general in WWII, Supreme Commander of NATO
    Previous Offices Held: None
    Family Members: Married Mamie Eisenhower, two sons
    Notable Accomplishments: Led Allied forces in WWII, initiated "New Look" defense policy, established NASA and interstate highway system.

  • Department of Health, Education, and Welfare created (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

  • Eisenhower delivers “Chance for Peace” speech (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

  • Submerged Lands Act (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

  • Rosenberg execution (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

  • Eisenhower proposes Social Security coverage increase (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

  • Refugee Relief Act of 1953 (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

  • Secretary of Labor resigns (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

  • Soviets test H-bomb (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

  • U.S. and Japan agree on rearmament (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

  • Brown v. Topeka Board of Education (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

  • Period: to

    John F. Kennedy

    From: Massachusetts
    Education: Harvard
    Military service: Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II
    Previous offices held: U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator
    Family: Jacqueline Kennedy (wife), Caroline and John Jr. (children)
    Notable Achievements Notable for the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs Invasion, Civil Rights advocacy, establishment of the Peace Corps, and the goal to land a man on the moon. Assassinated in 1963.

  • Temporary Peace Corps created (JFK)

  • Bay of Pigs (JFK)

  • Kennedy plans a man on the moon (JFK)

  • Period: to

    Lyndon B. Johnson

    From: Texas
    Education: Southwest Texas State Teachers College
    Military Service: Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy during WWII
    Previous office: U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, Vice President under Kennedy
    Family: Lady Bird Johnson (wife), Lynda Bird and Luci Baines Johnson (daughters)
    Notable Achievements: Known for advancing civil rights legislation, escalating U.S. involvement in Vietnam, and launching the "Great Society" programs. Chose not to seek re-election in 1968.

  • Johnson addresses Congress (LBJ)

  • Twenty-Fourth Amendment ratified (LBJ)

  • Civil Rights Act of 1964 (LBJ)

  • Wallace drops out of presidential race (LBJ)

  • Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (LBJ)

  • Period: to

    Richard M. Nixon

    From: California
    Education: Whittier College, Duke University School of Law
    Military Service: Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy during WWII
    Previous offices: U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, Vice President under Eisenhower
    Family: Pat Nixon (wife), daughters: Tricia and Julie
    Notable Achievements: Resigned from presidency due to Watergate scandal in 1974, known for foreign policy initiatives like opening relations with China and détente with the Soviet Union.

  • Resuming North Korean reconnaissance (Richard M. Nixon)

  • Withdrawal from South Vietnam (Richard M. Nixon)

  • Men land on the moon (Richard M. Nixon)

  • The "Nixon Doctrine" (Richard M. Nixon)

  • Ratifying the Bill of Rights (George Washington)

    President Washington called for the first 10 amendments to be officially ratified.

  • Watergate scandal (Richard M. Nixon)

  • Nixon takes responsibility for Watergate (Richard M. Nixon)

  • Period: to

    Gerald R. Ford

    From: Nebraska (born), Michigan (raised)
    Education: University of Michigan, Yale Law School
    Military Service: Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy during WWII
    Previous Office: U.S. Representative, Vice President under Nixon
    Family: Betty Ford (wife), four children
    Notable Achievements: Became President after Nixon's resignation, granted him a controversial pardon. Lost the 1976 election to Jimmy Carter. Continued public service and philanthropy after leaving office.

  • Ford picks Rockefeller for VP (Ford)

  • Ford pardons Nixon (Ford)

  • Federal Elections Campaign Act (Ford)

  • Period: to

    James Carter

    From: Georgia
    Education: United States Naval Academy
    Military Service: Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, Governor of Georgia
    Family: Rosalynn Carter (wife), four children
    Notable Achievements: Brokered the Camp David Accords, established the Departments of Energy and Education, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work after his presidency.

  • Carter addresses nation on energy (Carter)

  • Carter opposes B-1 bomber (Carter)

  • Mediation at Camp David (Carter)

  • China granted diplomatic status (Carter)

  • Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (Carter)

  • Period: to

    Ronald R. Reagan

    From: Illinois (born), California (lived and launched political career)
    Education: Eureka College
    Military Service: Captain in the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII
    Previous office: Governor of California
    Family: Nancy Reagan (wife), two children
    Notable Achievements: Known for conservative policies, Reaganomics, and ending the Cold War. Survived an assassination attempt in 1981. After leaving office, he was involved in philanthropy and public speaking.

  • Spending speech (Reagan)

  • Reagan sends budget to Congress (Reagan)

  • Reagan shot in chest (Reagan)

  • Reagan recovers (Reagan)

  • Soviet grain embargo lifted (Reagan)

  • Reagan dismisses strikers (Reagan)

  • Cutting taxes (Reagan)

  • Negotiating with Soviet Union (Reagan)

  • Gas tax increase (Reagan)

  • Period: to

    George H. W. Bush

    From: Milton, Massachusetts.
    Education: Yale University.
    Military service: Naval aviator during WWII.
    Previous offices: Vice President, Director of Central Intelligence.
    Family: Married to Barbara Bush, father to George W. Bush.
    Notable: Led during the end of the Cold War, launched military operations in Panama and the Persian Gulf, remained active in humanitarian efforts post-presidency.

  • Bank Bail-Out Plan Introduced (H.W.Bush)

  • Semi-Automatic Rifle Ban (H.W.Bush)

  • Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (H.W.Bush)

  • Bush Condemns China’s Actions (H.W.Bush)

  • Berlin Wall Falls (H.W.Bush)

  • Czechoslovakia peacefully divides into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. (Clinton)

  • Period: to

    William J. Clinton

    From: Hope, Arkansas.
    Education: Georgetown University, Oxford University (Rhodes Scholar), Yale Law School.
    Military service: None.
    Previous offices: Governor of Arkansas.
    Family: Married to Hillary Clinton, father to Chelsea Clinton.
    Notable: Oversaw economic expansion, signed NAFTA, played a role in the Oslo Accords, impeached but acquitted, active in humanitarian work post-presidency.

  • Henry G. Cisneros confirmed as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Clinton)

  • reversing Reagan directives on abortion and family planning (Clinton)

  • Appoints First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton to lead healthcare reform task force (Clinton)

  • World Trade Center in New York City is bombed (Clinton)

  • Announces the “National Performance Review (Clinton)

  • Executive Order 12850 (Clinton)

  • Announces Don’t Ask Don't Tell Policy (Clinton)

  • Signs National Community Service Trust Act (Clinton)

  • Presents Healthcare Plan (Clinton)

  • Contested election (W.Bush)

  • Supreme Court halts recount (W.Bush)

  • Period: to

    George W. Bush

    From: New Haven, Connecticut, raised in Texas.
    Education: Yale University, Harvard Business School.
    Military service: Served in the Texas Air National Guard.
    Previous offices: Governor of Texas.
    Family: Married to Laura Bush, father to Barbara and Jenna Bush.
    Notable: Presidency marked by 9/11 attacks, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, tax cuts, No Child Left Behind Act. Post-presidency focused on his Presidential Library and Foundation, painting, and writing.

  • Deregulating religious charities (W.Bush)

  • Attacking Iraq (W.Bush)

  • Bush bans abortion aid (W.Bush)

  • Kyoto Protocol rejected (W.Bush)

  • Spy plane downed over South China Sea (W.Bush)

  • Journalists review recount (W.Bush)

  • Bush backs Taiwan over China (W.Bush)

  • Trillion dollar tax cut (W. Bush)

  • Period: to

    Barack Obama

    From: Honolulu, Hawaii.
    Education: Occidental College, Columbia University, Harvard Law School.
    Military service: None.
    Previous offices: U.S. Senator from Illinois.
    Family: Married to Michelle Obama, father to Malia and Sasha Obama.
    Notable: First African American president, passed Affordable Care Act, oversaw Osama bin Laden's death, Nobel Peace Prize winner. Post-presidency, active in politics, writing, and public speaking.

  • Executive order to close Guantánamo Bay (Obama)

  • Signing of first bill (Obama)

  • Cap on top executive pay (Obama)

  • American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Obama)

  • Stem cell research (Obama)

  • New age Fireside Chats (Obama)

  • Justice Sotomayor (Obama)

  • Speech in Cairo (Obama)

  • Nobel Peace Prize (Obama)

  • HIV travel ban (Obama)

  • Period: to

    Donald Trump

    From: Queens, New York City, New York.
    Education: Fordham University, University of Pennsylvania.
    Military service: None.
    Previous offices: None
    Family: Married to Melania Trump, father to Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron Trump.
    Notable: Businessman and TV personality before presidency, controversial policies during presidency, impeached twice, led during COVID-19 pandemic. Post-presidency, remains active in politics, media, and business.

  • Withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (Trump)

  • Global gag rule reinstated (Trump)

  • Travel ban (Trump)

  • Gorsuch nominated for SCOTUS (Trump)

  • New executive order on the travel ban (Trump)

  • Runs for president (Biden)

  • Period: to

    Joseph R. Biden Jr.

    From: Scranton, Pennsylvania.
    Education: University of Delaware, Syracuse University College of Law.
    Military service: None.
    Previous offices: Vice President under Barack Obama, U.S. Senator from Delaware.
    Family: Married to Jill Biden, father to Hunter, Beau (deceased), and Ashley Biden.
    Notable: Oldest person to assume presidency, led during COVID-19 pandemic, initiated infrastructure and social policy reforms.