10 US Presidents Who Shaped History
First president of the United States, setting many precedents for the office – Led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War – Oversaw the creation of the Constitution
1. Led the Union to victory in the Civil War, preserving the United States and abolishing slavery Issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared enslaved people in Confederate-held territory to be free Delivered the Gettysburg Address, one of the most famous speeches in American history 2.
1– Led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II – Implemented the New Deal, a series of programs that helped to alleviate the effects of the Great Depression – Oversaw the development of the atomic bomb
– President during the Progressive Era, a time of reform in American politics and society – Strengthened the navy and expanded American influence abroad – Created several national parks and monument.
Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)
– Principal author of the Declaration of Independence – President during the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United State – Founded the University of Virginia
– President during World War I, leading the United States to victory and helping to establish the League of Nation – Issued the Fourteen Points, a set of principles for peace and democracy – Oversaw the creation of the Federal Reserve System
– Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, overseeing the Allied invasion of Normandy – President during the Cold War, helping to maintain peace between the United States and the Soviet Union – Established the Interstate Highway System
Harry S. Truman (1945-1953)
– Became president upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, leading the United States to victory in World War II – Implemented the Truman Doctrine, a policy of containing the spread of communism – Oversaw the Marshall Plan, a program of economic aid to Europe after World War
President during the end of the Cold War, helping to bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union Cut taxes and reduced government regulation Led the United States through the Iran hostage crisis and the Reagan Revolution
– First African-American president of the United State – Signed into law the Affordable Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage to millions of American – Ended the Iraq War and authorized the raid that killed Osama bin Laden