The United States of America is one of the leading countries of the world, possessing great power and influence both domestically and internationally. Each President of the United States serves as an influential leader, shaping the direction of the nation and making decisions to keep the country’s citizens safe and prosperous.
Here is a list of the top 10 most influential Presidents of the United States of America.
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George Washington – The Father of the Country
George Washington led a fledgling nation to victory against the British in the Revolutionary War. He served as the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, negotiated peace with Britain, and put the nation on a steady footing after the war. He established numerous precedents that have been followed ever since, including the establishment of the President’s Cabinet, the use of the Presidential veto power, and the idea that the President should serve only two terms in office. He is often referred to as the “father of the country” and his influence on the growth and development of the United States is undeniable. -
Abraham Lincoln – Advocate for Freedom and Equality
Abraham Lincoln served as the 16th President of the United States during the Civil War. His steadfast commitment to the cause of freedom gained him the reputation of “The Great Emancipator”. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared all slaves in the Confederate states to be free, as well as the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery everywhere in the United States and in its territories. Lincoln’s unwavering determination and firm moral compass forged the path to reuniting a divided nation and bring peace. He is widely considered one of the greatest Presidents in the nation’s history. -
Franklin D. Roosevelt – The Great Reorganizer
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President, was elected in 1933, during the darkest days of the Depression. His presidency saw the United States through the end of World War II and the emergence of the United States as a world power. Roosevelt created the New Deal, which was designed to help bring the nation’s economy out of the Depression by instituting public works programs, welfare programs, and other reforms. The social safety net that exists today was born out of Roosevelt’s reforms and his commitment to helping the nation’s citizens during the Great Depression. -
Harry S. Truman – The Man Who Gave New Meaning to “The Buck Stops Here!”
Harry S. Truman took office in 1945, after the death of Roosevelt and was faced with the task of leading the United States through the difficult transition from wartime back to peacetime. He is credited with helping create an American foreign policy that would guide the United States for the rest of the twentieth century. He faced several difficult decisions, but ultimately made bold decisions that helped strengthen the nation both domestically and internationally. Truman is credited with helping the United States emerge from World War II as the world’s preeminent superpower. -
John F. Kennedy – Monitor of America’s Rise
John F. Kennedy was elected in 1960, during a period of growing unrest, both domestically and internationally. He is widely remembered as a uniter who, with his eloquent words, helped bring together a nation divided by issues like civil rights, poverty, and the Cold War. His commitment to international relations, such as the establishment of the Alliance for Progress and the Peace Corps, helped to solidify America’s place as an international leader. Kennedy is also remembered for his passion for space exploration and commitment to the race to the moon. -
Richard Nixon – National Re-Organizer
Richard Nixon took office in 1969, during the peak of the Cold War. He was the first President to visit China and he spearheaded the United States’ foreign policy during the Vietnam War. Nixon also signed historic legislation, such as the Clean Air Act and Endangered Species Act, that helped to protect the environment and preserve its resources for future generations. He is also remembered for his role in advancing civil rights for all Americans, through the implementation of desegregation policies, the establishment of affirmative action laws, and the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. -
Ronald Reagan – Rebuilder and Unifier
Ronald Reagan is one of the nation’s most influential Presidents. He was elected in 1980, during a time of inflation and stagnant economic growth. Reagan’s policies, such as cutting taxes, deregulating the economy, and expanding trade, helped to revitalize the American economy, leading to a period of strong economic growth. He was also influential in bringing an end to the Cold War, through his commitment to peace and increasing international cooperation. Reagan’s legacy of strength and determination continues to inspire Americans to this day. -
George H. W. Bush – The Smart Diplomat
George H.W. Bush was elected in 1988, after serving two terms as Vice President under Ronald Reagan. He is credited with leading the United States successfully through the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of Germany, and the end of the Cold War. Bush also worked to expand international trade and the development of international organizations, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Coalition Against Saddam Hussein. His presidency is remembered for its commitment to diplomatic solutions. -
Bill Clinton – Shaper of the 21st Century
Bill Clinton was elected in 1992, during a time of great change in the United States and around the world. He is credited with leading the nation at the end of the Cold War and ushering in the information age. Clinton’s two terms of office saw the passage of landmark legislation, including the Immigration and Naturalization Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the North American Free Trade Agreement. His domestic and foreign policies continue to shape the 21st century. -
Barack Obama – Builder of a New American Century
Barack Obama was elected to office in 2008, during a time of economic crisis and falling national morale. He is credited with bringing the nation out of the recession and helping to restore America’s global image. His presidency saw the passage of major domestic reforms, such as the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which helped to stabilize the economy and increase the financial protections of American consumers. In addition, Obama is credited with improving foreign relations, helping to restore America’s standing in the world, and ushering in a new era of global cooperation and peace.
The United States of America has had a long and storied history, and with it has come a long list of influential Presidents who have shaped the nation both domestically and internationally. From George Washington, who established the foundations of our government to Barack Obama, who ushered in a new era of global diplomacy, each President has exercised great influence, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. The list above enumerates the top 10 most influential Presidents of the United States of America, each of whom has had a great impact on American history.
