US presidential elections 2024: From Washington to Biden, brief history of US presidents

For starters, the history of all US presidents to date can be broadly classified into seven categories; starting right from George Washington belonging to the founding era to modern era President Joe Biden. Let’s have a look at the USA’s presidential history, spanning 46 presidents so far.

The timeline starts in 1789, with President George Washington at the helm. The period from 1789 to 1825 is considered the founding era of the United States, which saw presidents like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe. During this period, America opposed European colonialism.

The next era, from 1825 to 1861, was marked by significant expansions and divisions of the country. This era saw presidents like Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, Millard Fillmore and James Buchanan. It was during this era that the US gained Oregon territory, along with California and New Mexico.

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Then came the era of civil war, starting from 1861 to 1877. Abraham Lincoln led the country through the Civil War and also ensured the end of slavery. Lincoln was later assassinated. Otherleaders who emerged in this era were Andrew Johnson and Ulysses S. Grant. Grant is known for fighting for the rights of African American migrants.

The era of industrialisation came next, lasting from 1877 to 1921, overseen by two presidents: Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. World War 1 happened during this era, leading to the formation of the League of Nations.

The great depression era slammed the brakes on the USA’s economic advance. President Herbert Hoover’s (1929 - 1933) policies were widely criticised in the US during this time. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933 - 1945) became the next leader and led the country through World War 2.

The era of 1945-1981 is hailed as one of civil rights. Six leaders—Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Jimmy Carter—led the nation in this period. Truman oversaw the nuclear bombing of Japan. Kennedy witnessed the Cuban Missile Crisis and was later assassinated. Nixon is credited for opening ties with China whereas Carter is known for his emphasis on human rights.

The modern era started with President Ronald Reagan (1981 - 1989) and continues to date, with Joe Biden currently occupying the White House. More leaders to have led the nation in this era are George H. W. Bush (1989 - 1993), Bill Clinton (1993 - 2001), George W. Bush (2001 - 2009), Barack Obama (2009 - 2017) and Donald Trump (2017 - 2021). Bush is known for launching a ‘war on terror’ following the 9/11 attacks. Trump’s emphasis on immigration reform and global peace whereas Biden’s term saw the US prioritising climate change and COVID-19 recovery.