The subject of the most influential presidents in American history is of great interest among historians and Americans alike. This gives rise to a general discussion focused on identifying the best and worst presidents to ever hold the nation’s highest office. This article will highlight the achievements, characteristics, failures, and recoveries of these presidents, allowing us to rank them and determine who is the most influential.
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List Of Most influential Presidents In American History
Let’s discuss about most influential presidents in American history.
1. Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was chosen as the 16th president of the United States. He served his nation as president before his assassination in April 1865. Lincoln was a powerful political leader, not only for the USA but also for the entire world. He successfully navigated the country through the political and social crisis of the Civil War. During his presidency, Lincoln initiated the rapid development of the economy by building banks, canals, and railroads. He implemented tariffs to support the growth of factories. Lincoln opposed the war with Mexico in 1846 and took various actions to abolish slavery, including protecting escaped slaves with military support and advocating for the outlawing of slavery in the Border States.
2. George Washington
George Washington, the first president of the United States, holds a prominent place in American history. As the commander in chief during the American Revolution, Washington played a crucial role in the country’s independence. He was one of the founding fathers and aimed to establish a strong national government with financial stability. Washington’s legacy is honored through various memorials, such as the Washington Monument, his image on the one-dollar bill, and Mount Rushmore.
3. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, elected during the Great Depression, served as president until his death in 1945, just months before the end of World War II. Faced with the economic crisis, Roosevelt significantly expanded the role of the federal government, shaping it into what it is today. He implemented Depression-era programs like Social Security, providing essential financial protections to vulnerable citizens. Additionally, due to the war, the United States emerged as a dominant global power, a position it still holds.
4. Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt was a multifaceted individual, serving as a politician, explorer, writer, historian, and naturalist. He became the youngest person to assume the presidency at the age of 42. Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, founded the Progressive Party and became one of the most influential leaders of the Republican Party. Known for his strong masculinity and “Cowboy” persona, Roosevelt advocated for domestic policies like the “Square Deal,” which included measures such as reducing railroad rates, ensuring safe food and medicine, and regulating capitalism. He was also the first president to initiate large-scale conservation efforts.
5. Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman became president following the death of President Roosevelt in 1945. Under Truman’s leadership, the United States achieved victory in World War II. However, this victory strained the relationship between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, leading to the Cold War. Truman made the difficult decision to use nuclear weapons as a last resort in the war with Japan, shortening the conflict. He issued the Truman Doctrine and established the Marshall Plan, a $13 billion initiative to rebuild Europe after the war. Truman also oversaw the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and played a key role in the creation of NATO. When the war broke out between North and South Korea, Truman deployed U.S. troops and obtained UN approval for involvement.
6. Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson played a pivotal role in the birth of the United States. As president, he orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the country’s size and paved the way for westward expansion. During Jefferson’s term, the United States also engaged in its first foreign conflict, the First Barbary War in the Mediterranean, including a temporary invasion of present-day Libya.
7. John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy, the youngest president and the 35th President of the United States, was known not only for his political career but also for winning the Pulitzer Prize for his book “Profiles in Courage.” Kennedy’s presidency witnessed significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Apollo project, and the African-American Civil Rights Movement. Kennedy served his country until his assassination in November 1963, which shocked the world.
8. Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, had a diverse background that included acting and serving as the President of the Screen Actors Guild. He entered politics as a spokesperson for General Electric and went on to win the nomination and general election, defeating his opponent Jimmy Carter in 1980. Reagan’s economic policies, known as Reaganomics, aimed to reduce tax rates to stimulate industrial growth and control inflation. He led an invasion to counter a Communist coup in Grenada and escalated the War on Drugs. Reagan was re-elected in 1984 with his campaign slogan “Morning in America.”
9. Dwight Eisenhower
During Dwight Eisenhower’s presidency, the Korean War ended (although it was not formally concluded), and the United States experienced significant economic growth. Eisenhower signed legislation that created the interstate highway system and established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In foreign affairs, Eisenhower maintained a strong anti-communist policy in Europe and Asia, expanding the nation’s nuclear arsenal and supporting the government of South Vietnam.
10. Woodrow Wilson
Thomas Woodrow Wilson, a leader of the Democratic Party, served as the 28th President of the United States. He assumed office in 1912 and embraced the Progressive Movement. Wilson implemented a progressive legislative agenda, which continued until the New Deal in 1933. He passed the Keating-Owen Act to limit child labor nationwide. During the outbreak of World War I, Wilson maintained a policy of neutrality. In 1916, he was re-elected with the slogan “He kept us out of war,” but eventually, the United States declared war on Germany due to its submarine warfare.
11. Grover Cleveland
Grover Cleveland, known for his opposition to political corruption, was an icon for American conservatives. He advocated for subsidies to farmers and businesses. Cleveland embraced classical liberalism and fought against bossism and corruption in politics. The Panic of 1893 occurred during his second term, leading to severe economic depression. These depressions weakened his Democratic Party and contributed to a Republican landslide in 1894. Cleveland opposed Free Silver and supported the gold standard, which alienated the right-wing faction of the Democratic Party.
12. Barack Obama
Barack Obama made history as the first black president of the United States after being elected in November 2008. While his presidency did not coincide with a major war, depression, or civil war, he is still considered one of the most influential presidents in U.S. history. Obama implemented healthcare reform, allowing 7 to 10 million Americans to gain medical insurance. He enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to address the economic downturn and took significant stances on human rights issues, including marriage equality and gun control. Additionally, Obama positioned the Democratic Party for future victories after his terms in office came to a close.
Read Also: Most Influential Vice Presidents In American History
Summing Up
These are the most influential presidents in American history. These leaders paved the way for development for the future. These influential personalities played a significant role in the development of present day America.