American Presidents 1913-1993

Wilson + Harding

Woodrow Wilson

Party: Democratic
Term: 1913–1921

After initially opposing World War I (1914–1918), Wilson led the United States into the war and drafted the peace plan that ended it. Wilson then fought to create the League of Nations, the forerunner of the United Nations.

Warren G. Harding

Party: Republican
Term: 1921–1923

Harding died in office, just as massive corruption in the Teapot Dome scandal was about to become public.

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Cooldige + Hoover

Calvin Coolidge

Party: Republican
Term: 1923–1929

Coolidge's term was marked by economic prosperity. However, he ignored signs that the stock market was likely to collapse.

Herbert C. Hoover

Party: Republican
Term: 1929–1933

The stock market crashed a few months into Hoover's term. The Great Depression that followed was widely and some say unfairly blamed on Hoover.

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FDR + Truman

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Party: Democratic
Term: 1933–1945

Roosevelt led the nation during the Great Depression of the 1930s and to victory in World War II (1941–1945). He also greatly expanded the size and role of the federal government through his New Deal social programs.

Harry S. Truman

Party: Democratic
Term: 1945–1953

Truman made the fateful decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. World War II ended days later. Truman also led the United States during the Korean War (1950–1953).

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Eisenhower + JFK

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Party: Republican
Term: 1953–1961

A former World War II general and hero, Eisenhower helped end the Korean War and steered a moderate course during the Cold War.

John F. Kennedy

Party: Democratic
Term: 1961–1963

In 1962, the United States and the Soviet Union hovered on the brink of nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Kennedy eventually forced the Soviets to back down. He was assassinated in the third year of his term.

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Johnson + Nixon

Lyndon B. Johnson

Party: Democratic
Term: 1963–1969

Johnson passed sweeping antipoverty and civil rights programs. However, he also involved the United States in the unpopular Vietnam War. Antiwar protests caused him to drop a reelection bid.

Richard M. Nixon

Party: Republican
Term: 1969–1974

During Nixon's first term, he improved relations with the Soviet Union and China and wound down the Vietnam War. But the Watergate scandal forced Nixon to resign before Congress could impeach him.

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Ford + Carter

Gerald R. Ford

Party: Republican
Term: 1974–1977

Ford became Vice President after Nixon's Vice President resigned in disgrace, and President after Nixon resigned. His pardon of Nixon was unpopular, probably costing him reelection.

James (Jimmy) E. Carter

Party: Democratic
Term: 1977–1981

Carter had success promoting Middle East peace. But soaring oil prices, high inflation, and the Iran hostage crisis made him look weak and ineffectual.

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Reagan + Bush (Senior)

Ronald W. Reagan

Party: Republican
Term: 1981–1989

Reagan is credited with reviving national pride after the turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s. He enjoyed great popularity, though his conservative policies were controversial.

George H. W. Bush

Party: Republican
Term: 1989–1993

During Bush's term, the Soviet Union collapsed and the Cold War ended. He also led the United States in the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq. But economic troubles at home cost him his reelection bid.

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