American Presidents

Barack Obama is the 44th American President, a long list of names that have done many great things and some not so flattering things in the history of the United States. When judging the quality of a President, it is important to look at what he did that stands the test of time before calling him one of the best.

1. Abraham Lincoln – Abraham Lincoln is the 16th American President and is widely considered one of the greatest. He helped lead America out of the Civil War and is the man responsible for abolishing slavery in the country. In 1865, Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth.
2. Franklin Roosevelt – Franklin Roosevelt is the only American President to serve more than two terms in office, something that no longer is legal in the United States. Roosevelt created the “New Deal,” a group of programs designed to lead America out of the Great Depression.
3. George Washington – George Washington was the first American President and led America to victory over Britain in the Revolutionary War. The country unanimously elected him the first president where he developed the government rituals that we still use today.
4. Thomas Jefferson – Thomas Jefferson was the third American President and the main author of the Declaration of Independence. As the president, Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase and expedited the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
5. Theodore Roosevelt – Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th American President following the assassination of William McKinley. While serving in office, he led the completion of the Panama Canal and helped end the Russo-Japanese War, earning the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
6. Andrew Jackson – The seventh American President, Andrew Jackson is a polarizing figure in history. On the positive notes, Jackson provided a voice for smaller America, supporting small government and striking out against the National Bank. On the flip side, he was responsible for Indian removal and the Trail of Tears.
7. Dwight Eisenhower – Dwight Eisenhower is the 33rd American President, following a successful career as Supreme Commander in World War II. Eisenhower helped end the Korean War, reduced federal deficits, began NASA and helped remove Joseph McCarthy from power.
8. Woodrow Wilson – Woodrow Wilson, the 28th American President, began his terms in office by passing the Federal Trade Commission Act and Federal Reserve Act. Wilson helped form the League of Nations, earning a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, although America never joined.
9. John Adams – The second American President, John Adams helped lead America to declare its independence and helped Thomas Jefferson draft the Declaration of Independence. He helped negotiate the peace treaty with Britain and later helped build America’s army and navy forces.
10. John F. Kennedy – JFK was the 35th American President and one of the most popular. Although his time in office was short, Kennedy brought in a youthful exuberance that enlightened the country. While in office, Kennedy began plans that passed after his death, including Medicare and civil rights.