United States Presidents Flashcards
1st President
George Washington
April 30, 1789 - March 4, 1797
No party affiliation
George Washington was the 1st President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He was a member of the Federalist Party and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Washington played a crucial role in the American Revolution as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, leading the colonies to victory over Great Britain. As President, he helped to establish the framework of the U.S. government and worked to establish the nation’s foreign policy. Washington was a strong advocate for national unity and stressed the importance of the Constitution and the rule of law. He set important precedents for the presidency, including the two-term limit and the idea of a non-partisan chief executive. Washington is widely considered to be one of the most important and respected figures in American history.
2nd President
John Adams
March 4, 1797 - March 4, 1801
Federalist
John Adams was the 2nd President of the United States, serving from 1797 to 1801. He was a member of the Federalist Party and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Adams played a key role in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. During his presidency, Adams faced challenges from both foreign and domestic affairs, including the Quasi-War with France and the Alien and Sedition Acts. He also signed the Treaty of Tripoli, which stated that the United States was not a Christian nation, and sought to promote religious tolerance and freedom. Despite facing criticism during his presidency, Adams is often praised for his commitment to the rule of law and his efforts to establish a strong executive branch of government.
3rd President
Thomas Jefferson
March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1809
Democratic-Republican
Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd President of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809. He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Jefferson is perhaps best known for drafting the Declaration of Independence, which laid out the principles of American democracy and independence from Great Britain. During his presidency, Jefferson focused on reducing the size and power of the federal government, while promoting states’ rights and individual freedoms. He also oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States and expanded its territory westward. After his presidency, Jefferson continued to be a prominent figure in American politics and played a role in the founding of the University of Virginia.
4th President
James Madison
March 4, 1809 - March 4, 1817
Democratic-Republican
James Madison was the 4th President of the United States, serving from 1809 to 1817. He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Madison is often referred to as the “Father of the Constitution” due to his role in drafting the U.S. Constitution and his contributions to the ratification process. During his presidency, Madison oversaw the country during the War of 1812 against Great Britain, which ended with the Treaty of Ghent. He also signed into law several important pieces of legislation, including the Non-Intercourse Act and the Tariff of 1816. After his presidency, Madison remained active in politics and continued to play a role in the development of American democracy.
5th President
James Monroe
March 4, 1817 - March 4, 1825
Democratic-Republican
James Monroe was the 5th President of the United States, serving from 1817 to 1825. He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party and was the last president from the Revolutionary War era. Monroe’s presidency was marked by a period of national unity and economic growth, known as the “Era of Good Feelings.” During his presidency, Monroe oversaw the expansion of the country westward and the acquisition of Florida from Spain. He also issued the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, which declared that the United States would not tolerate European interference in the affairs of the Americas. Prior to his presidency, Monroe served as a diplomat, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State under President James Madison.
6th President
John Quincy Adams
March 4, 1825 - March 4, 1829
Democratic-Republican/National Republican
John Quincy Adams was the 6th President of the United States, serving from 1825 to 1829. He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party and was the son of the second President, John Adams. Adams was a highly educated and accomplished statesman, having served as a diplomat, Secretary of State, and as a U.S. Senator. During his presidency, Adams supported the development of infrastructure and education, but faced opposition from a hostile Congress, which was controlled by the opposing Democratic Party. Despite his accomplishments as president, Adams is perhaps best known for his post-presidential career as a staunch abolitionist, where he fought against the “gag rule” that prevented the discussion of slavery in Congress and defended the Amistad slaves in court. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.
7th President
Andrew Jackson
March 4, 1829 - March 4, 1837
Democrat
Andrew Jackson was the 7th President of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837. He was a member of the Democratic Party and was a controversial figure in American politics, known for his strong personality and populist views. Jackson was a celebrated military hero, having served in the War of 1812 and the Creek War, and was known as “Old Hickory” for his toughness and resilience. During his presidency, Jackson championed the cause of the common man and sought to limit the power of the federal government, particularly the power of the national bank. He was also a proponent of Manifest Destiny and oversaw the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, including the Trail of Tears. Jackson’s legacy is mixed, with some praising him as a champion of democracy and others criticizing him for his policies towards Native Americans and his expansion of executive power.
8th President
Martin Van Buren
March 4, 1837 - March 4, 1841
Democrat
Martin Van Buren was the 8th President of the United States, serving from 1837 to 1841. He was a member of the Democratic Party and had previously served as Vice President under Andrew Jackson. Van Buren’s presidency was marked by economic depression and financial instability, which led to the Panic of 1837. He also faced political opposition from Whig Party members who opposed his policies, including his stance on states’ rights and his opposition to the creation of a national bank. Van Buren was a skilled politician and is credited with developing the modern political party system, as well as establishing the principle of the federal government’s non-interference with slavery in states where it was legal. After his presidency, Van Buren remained active in politics and continued to be a prominent figure in the Democratic Party.
9th President
William Henry Harrison
March 4, 1841 - April 4, 1841
Whig
William Henry Harrison was the 9th President of the United States, serving for only one month in 1841 before his death. He was a member of the Whig Party and was the first president to die in office, making his presidency the shortest in American history. Harrison was a celebrated military hero, having defeated the Shawnee leader Tecumseh at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, and was known for his folksy, “log cabin” image, which helped to secure his election. However, Harrison’s presidency was overshadowed by his untimely death, which was attributed to pneumonia, likely contracted after he delivered a long inaugural address in cold, wet weather. Harrison’s death caused a constitutional crisis, as it was unclear whether his Vice President, John Tyler, would become acting president or assume the full powers of the presidency, a question that was eventually resolved in Tyler’s favor.
10th President
John Tyler
April 4, 1841 - March 4, 1845
Whig
John Tyler was the 10th President of the United States, serving from 1841 to 1845. He was initially elected as Vice President under William Henry Harrison, but became President when Harrison died after only one month in office. Tyler was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, but he broke with the party over issues related to states’ rights and the national bank. He became known as the “Accidental President” because he was the first vice president to assume the presidency due to the death of a president. Tyler’s presidency was marked by controversy and political conflict, particularly over his veto of a bill to recharter the national bank and his support for the annexation of Texas. Tyler was also a slave owner and supported the expansion of slavery into new territories. After his presidency, he became a vocal advocate for the Confederacy during the Civil War, and was even elected to the Confederate Congress, although he died before he could take his seat.
11th President
James K. Polk
March 4, 1845 - March 4, 1849
Democrat
James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is known for his successful expansionist policies, including the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Territory, and the Mexican-American War, which led to the acquisition of California and New Mexico. Polk was also a strong supporter of Manifest Destiny, the belief that it was America’s destiny to expand its territory across the continent. He was a skilled politician and effective leader, but his presidency was also marked by controversy, particularly regarding his handling of the slavery issue and the Mexican-American War. Polk died just three months after leaving office, making him the youngest ex-president to die.
12th President
Zachary Taylor
March 4, 1849 - July 9, 1850
Whig
Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States, serving from 1849 until his death in 1850. He was a career military officer and achieved fame as a general during the Mexican-American War, particularly for his victories at Palo Alto and Monterrey. Taylor was a member of the Whig Party and his presidency was marked by efforts to find a compromise on the issue of slavery in new territories acquired during the war, including California and New Mexico. However, he died suddenly in July 1850, just over a year into his presidency, and was succeeded by his Vice President, Millard Fillmore. Taylor’s death has been attributed to a number of causes, including cholera, gastroenteritis, and even arsenic poisoning, although the exact cause remains uncertain.
13th President
Millard Fillmore
July 9, 1850 - March 4, 1953
Whig
Millard Fillmore was the 13th President of the United States, serving from 1850 to 1853. He was a member of the Whig Party and became president after the death of President Zachary Taylor. Fillmore is best known for signing into law the Compromise of 1850, which was a series of laws aimed at resolving conflicts between free and slave states. The compromise included the Fugitive Slave Act, which required the return of runaway slaves to their owners and was highly controversial. Despite his efforts to maintain the Union, Fillmore was criticized for his support of the Fugitive Slave Act and his handling of the issue of slavery. After his presidency, Fillmore remained active in politics and ran for president again in 1856 as a candidate for the anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic American Party.
14th President
Franklin Pierce
March 4, 1853 - March 4, 1857
Democrat
Franklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. He was a member of the Democratic Party and was known for his efforts to expand the country’s territory and his support for states’ rights. During his presidency, Pierce signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed for the possibility of slavery in new territories and led to increased tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. Pierce also oversaw the Gadsden Purchase, which added land to the United States in the southwestern region. Despite some early successes, Pierce’s presidency was ultimately marred by division and controversy over the issue of slavery, and his efforts to broker a compromise ultimately failed. After his presidency, Pierce retired from politics and remained relatively inactive until his death in 1869.
15th President
James Buchanan
March 4, 1857 - March 4, 1861
Democrat
James Buchanan was the 15th President of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is often ranked as one of the worst presidents in U.S. history due to his failure to prevent the outbreak of the Civil War. Buchanan struggled to maintain peace between the North and South and was criticized for his lack of leadership and decisive action. During his presidency, tensions over the issue of slavery continued to escalate, and Buchanan was unable to prevent Southern states from seceding from the Union. He also faced challenges in foreign policy, including the conflict in Kansas and the tension with Britain over Central America. After his presidency, Buchanan retired from politics and was largely criticized for his handling of the crisis that led to the Civil War.
16th President
Abraham Lincoln
March 4, 1861 - April 15, 1865
Republican
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He was a member of the Republican Party and is widely considered to be one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history. Lincoln led the country through one of its most difficult periods, the Civil War, and played a crucial role in ending slavery with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. During his presidency, Lincoln also implemented policies that helped to modernize the country, including the Homestead Act, which provided land to settlers in the western United States, and the transcontinental railroad. Lincoln is also known for his iconic speeches, including the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address. Despite facing significant opposition and criticism during his presidency, Lincoln’s leadership and commitment to preserving the Union have made him a revered figure in American history.
17th President
Andrew Johnson
April 15, 1865 - March 4, 1869
Democrat
Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. He became president after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and was a member of the Democratic Party. Johnson is known for his controversial approach to Reconstruction following the Civil War, which was focused on restoring the power of white Southern Democrats and limiting the rights of newly-freed African Americans. Johnson was opposed by the Radical Republicans in Congress, who sought to enforce stricter policies and protections for African Americans. Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives for violating the Tenure of Office Act, but he was ultimately acquitted by the Senate. Despite his efforts to resist Radical Republican policies, Johnson’s presidency was largely ineffective and he was widely criticized for his policies and leadership.
18th President
Ulysses Grant
March 4, 1869-March 4, 1877
Republican
Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States, serving two terms from 1869 to 1877. He was a Union Army general during the Civil War and is known for his leadership and successful military campaigns, including the siege of Vicksburg and the defeat of General Robert E. Lee’s army at Appomattox Court House. As president, Grant worked to protect the rights of African Americans and fought against the Ku Klux Klan through the use of federal troops. He also supported the Reconstruction policies of the Republican Party, which aimed to rebuild the South and enforce civil rights protections for African Americans. However, Grant’s presidency was also marred by political scandals, including the Credit Mobilier scandal and the Whiskey Ring scandal, which tarnished his reputation and that of his administration. Despite the scandals, Grant’s legacy as a military leader and his efforts to promote civil rights have earned him a place as one of the most respected presidents in U.S. history.
19th President
Rutherford Hayes
March 4, 1877-March 4, 1881 Republican
Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th President of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881. He was a member of the Republican Party and is known for his efforts to reform the civil service and to promote civil rights for African Americans. Hayes was elected in one of the most controversial presidential elections in U.S. history, which was ultimately decided by a special commission that awarded him the electoral votes needed to win. As president, Hayes worked to implement policies to reduce corruption in government, including the creation of a merit-based civil service system. He also supported efforts to improve education and to provide relief to farmers in the midst of economic hardships. Hayes is also known for his commitment to civil rights, as he took steps to protect the voting rights of African Americans in the South and supported the end of segregation in public schools. Despite his efforts to promote progressive policies, Hayes faced opposition from both Democrats and members of his own party, and his presidency was largely characterized by political gridlock.
20th President
James Garfield
March 4, 1881-September 19, 1881
Republican
James A. Garfield was the 20th President of the United States, serving for only six and a half months in 1881 before he was assassinated. Garfield was a member of the Republican Party and was known for his advocacy for civil rights and education reform. He was elected in the aftermath of the contentious presidential election of 1880, which saw him narrowly defeat his Democratic opponent. As president, Garfield worked to fight against political corruption and to reform the civil service system. However, his presidency was cut short when he was shot by a disgruntled office seeker just months after taking office. Despite extensive medical treatment, Garfield died of his injuries several weeks later, making his presidency one of the shortest in U.S. history. Despite his brief tenure, Garfield is remembered for his progressive political views and his commitment to promoting equal rights and opportunity for all Americans.
21st President
Chester Arthur
September 19th, 1881-March 4, 1885
Republican
Chester Arthur is mostly known for becoming president when James Garfield was shot and killed by an assassin. He was chosen as vice president for political reasons and many people were shocked when he became president.
22nd President
Grover Cleveland
March 4, 1885-March 4, 1889
Democrat
Grover Cleveland is most famous for being the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. This means he was president for one term (four years), lost the next election (to Benjamin Harrison), then came back to win again in the following election.
23rd President
Benjamin Harrison
March 4, 1889-March 4, 1893
Republican
Benjamin Harrison is known for being president between the two terms of Grover Cleveland as well as being the grandson of the 9th president of the United States, William Henry Harrison. He is also known for having signed the Sherman Antitrust Act while president. First to have annual federal spending reach $1 billion
24th President
Grover Cleveland
March 4, 1893 - March 4, 1897
Democrat
Grover Cleveland is most famous for being the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. This means he was president for one term (four years), lost the next election (to Benjamin Harrison), then came back to win again in the following election.
Helped ease economic panic leftover from Harrison.
25th President
William McKinley
March 4, 1897 - September 14, 1901
Republican
William McKinley is most known for being president during the Spanish-American War. As a result of the Spanish-American War, the U.S. gained significant territory and earned the reputation as a world power. McKinley is also known as the president whose death allowed Teddy Roosevelt to become president.
Shot by an anarchist at a fair and died a week later in September 1901.
26th President
Theodore Roosevelt
September 14, 1901 - March 4, 1909
Republican
Prior to becoming president, Roosevelt was famous for leading the Rough Riders in a battle at San Juan Hill in Cuba. While he was president he gained the nickname The Trust Buster for breaking up large companies called monopolies. His most famous quote is “Speak softly and carry a big stick”.
A popular president who was the first American to win Nobel Peace Prize.
27th President
William Howard Taft
March 4, 1909 - March 4, 1913
Republican
William Taft was selected by President Teddy Roosevelt to be his successor. He is most famous for being the only president to serve on the Supreme Court after leaving office.
He was famous for his very large size. At six feet tall, he weighed over 350 pounds. There are unfounded rumours that he got stuck in the White House bathtub.
28th President
Woodrow Wilson
March 4, 1913 - March 4, 1921
Democrat
Woodrow Wilson was president during World War I. He also helped to form the League of Nations after the war.
Drafted a post WWI peace plan and won a Nobel Peace Prize.
29th President
Warren Harding
March 4, 1921 - August 2, 1923
Republican
Warren G. Harding is known as one of the worst presidents in the history of the United States. He was a likeable and nice guy, but his administration was full of crooks. Many scandals were coming to light just as Warren died of a heart attack during a trip to Alaska while still in office.
30th President
Calvin Coolidge
August 2, 1923 - March 4, 1929
Republican
Calvin Coolidge is known for cleaning up the mess left behind by his predecessor President Harding. He is also famous for being a man of few words earning him the nickname Silent Cal.
Major proponent of an unregulated economy.
31st President
Herbert Hoover
March 4, 1929 - March 4, 1933
Republican
Herbert Hoover is known for being the president during the stock market crash of 1929 which triggered the start of the Great Depression.
Hoover was the author of many articles and books.
32nd President
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
March 4, 1933 - April 12, 1945
Democrat
President Roosevelt is most known for leading the United States and the Allied Powers against the Axis Powers of Germany and Japan during World War II. He also led the country during the Great Depression and instituted the New Deal which included programs such as Social Security and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Roosevelt was elected to president for four terms. This is two more terms than any other president.
Roosevelt died in office in April, 1945. He collapsed and died as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage.
33rd President
Harry Truman
April 12, 1945 - January 20, 1953
Democrat
Harry S. Truman became president when Franklin D. Roosevelt died. He is most known for putting an end to World War II in the Pacific by dropping the atomic bomb on Japan. He is also known for the Marshall Plan, the Truman Doctrine, and the Korean War.
34th President
Dwight D Eisenhower
January 20, 1953 - January 20, 1961
Republican
Dwight D. Eisenhower is best known for being a five-star general in the Army and the supreme commander of the Allied forces during World War II. During his two terms as president, the country experienced economic prosperity and peace.
Started highway system, ended the Korean War with a ceasefire.
35th President
John F Kennedy
January 20, 1961 - November 22, 1963
Democrat
John F. Kennedy is most famous for being assassinated early in his presidency by Lee Harvey Oswald. He is also famous for the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban missile crisis.
First Catholic president and hope of a generation.
36th President
Lyndon B. Johnson
November 22, 1963 - January 20, 1969
Democrat
Lyndon Johnson was known for becoming president after President Kennedy was assassinated. His presidency is known for the passage of civil rights legislation which outlawed segregation.
Massively escalated the Vietnam War.
37th President
Richard Nixon
January 20, 1969 - August 9, 1974
Republican
Richard Nixon is most known for being the only president to resign from office as a result of the Watergate Scandal before he could be impeached.
He is also known for ending the Vietnam War and improving U.S. relations with the Soviet Union and China.
38th President
Gerald Ford
August 9, 1974 - January 20, 1977
Republican
Gerald Ford became president amidst the scandals of his predecessor Richard Nixon. He is the only man to become president without having been elected to the office of president or vice president.
Oversaw the end of Vietnam War.
39th President
Jimmy Carter
January 20, 1977 - January 20, 1981
Democrat
Jimmy Carter is known for being president during a time of high inflation and rising energy costs. He is also known for being the first president from the Deep South in over 100 years.
Failed to handle petrol shortage or rescue American hostages in Iran.
40th President
Ronald Reagan
January 20, 1981 - January 20, 1989
Republican
Ronald Reagan is most known for being president during the end of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. He’s also famous for his economic policy called “Reaganomics” as well as for being a Hollywood movie star who became president.
He was one of the most popular presidents.
41st President
George H. W. Bush
January 20, 1989 - January 20, 1993
Republican
George Bush is most known for being president during the Persian Gulf War. He is also famous for his two sons; George W. Bush, who was also president of the United States, and Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida.
42nd President
Bill Clinton
January 20, 1993 - January 20, 2001
Democrat
Bill Clinton is known for being president during one of the longest periods of peace and economic expansion in American history. He is also known for being governor of Arkansas.
Balanced the budget and survived impeachment over the Monica Lewinsky affair.
43rd President
George W Bush
January 20, 2001 - January 20, 2009
Republican
George Bush is most famous for being president during the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and ordering the invasion of Afghanistan as retaliation. The United States also invaded Iraq and overthrew the dictator Saddam Hussein in the Second Gulf War while Bush was president.
44th President
Barack Obama
January 20, 2009 - January 20, 2017
Democrat
Barack Obama is most famous for being the first African American President of the United States.
Made expanding healthcare his biggest campaign issue, ended the Iraq War, and eliminated Osama Bin Laden.
