American Presidents Flashcards
Who was the first President of the United States?
George Washington (1789-1797) unified the new nation and shaped the chief executive’s duties. He refused to run for a third term.
Who was the first president to live in the White House?
John Adams (1797-1801).
Who is considered the most brilliant president and wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809). He was also an architect, farmer, and scientist.
Who is considered the father of the Bill of Rights?
James Madison (1809-1817). He presided over the War of 1812 with Britain.
What is the ‘Era of Good Feeling’?
James Monroe’s term (1817-1825) is called the ‘Era of Good Feeling’ due to little partisan fighting.
Who was the first father and son to serve as Presidents?
John Quincy Adams (1825-1829) and his father, John Adams.
Who was the first President to ride on a train?
Andrew Jackson (1829-1837). He was known as ‘Old Hickory’ and expanded the powers of the Presidency.
Who was the first President born an American citizen?
Martin Van Buren (1837-1841). His presidency was marred by an economic depression.
Who delivered a marathon inaugural speech and died a month later?
William Henry Harrison (1841). He served the briefest term.
Who had 15 children and was threatened with impeachment?
John Tyler (1841-1845).
Who presided over the Mexican War and added territory to the U.S.?
James Polk (1845-1849). He was the first ‘dark horse’ nominee.
Who threatened to use force to keep the South from leaving the Union?
Zachary Taylor (1849-1850). His soldiers called him ‘Old Rough and Ready.’
Who approved the Compromise of 1850?
Millard Fillmore (1850-1853).
Who was the only bachelor to serve in the White House?
James Buchanan (1857-1861).
Who led the Union during the Civil War?
Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865). He was assassinated shortly after the war ended.
Who was impeached but acquitted by one vote?
Andrew Johnson (1865-1869).
Who was the top Union military hero of the Civil War?
Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877). His terms were marred by scandals.
Who lost the popular vote but won the presidency?
Rutherford Hayes (1877-1881).
Who was the first left-handed President?
James Garfield (1881). He was assassinated by a disappointed office seeker.
Who helped create the Civil Service?
Chester Arthur (1881-1885).
Who is the only President elected to two non-consecutive terms?
Grover Cleveland (1885-1889 and 1893-1897).
Who led the U.S. during the Spanish-American War?
William McKinley (1897-1901). He was assassinated shortly after a public event.
Who was known for building the Panama Canal?
Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909). He was the first President to visit a foreign country while in office.
Who is the only President who became a Supreme Court Justice?
William Howard Taft (1909-1913).
