Presidents+in+Office

The Presidents of the United States Willie Saltonstall  AP United States History   January 13, 2013 NOTE: You should know the presidents in ** red **well. The presidents in black are not as significant.


 * Presidents: Years Served in Office**

NOTE: You should know the presidents in **bold**

Martin Van Buren 1837-1841 William Henry Harrison 1841-1841 John Tyler 1841-1845 Zachary Taylor 1849-1850 Millard Filmore 1850-1853 Franklin Pierce 1853-1857 James Buchanan 1857-1861 ** Presidential Vocabulary and Important Concepts: ** ** Term: ** A period of 4 years that a President serves. This limits the power of the leader and stops dictatorship. Presidents can be re-elected, but may only serve one more term, meaning the maximum is 8 years total. ** Veto: ** If the House of Representatives and the Senate look to pass something such as a law, the President has the ability to veto the proposal. However, the House and Senate are able to over-ride that veto by a 2/3 majority. **Popular Vote vs. Electoral Vote:** In Electing the President, there are two votes, and Electoral and Popular. The Popular is a count of raw votes. When this count comes in, elected representatives of the Electoral College will then vote for (based on what the popular vote tells them in their state) the candidate they choose. Elections can turn out where one candidate wins the Popular or vise versa. media type="youtube" key="oyIFqf3XH24" height="315" width="420" **Impeachment:** When a President is accused of a crime or act that is illegal or inappropriate he can be impeached, being subject to legal punishment imprisonment, and of course the loss of his position. **Assassination:** When a President is murdered. When a President is killed, his position is handed over to his Vice President. If both the President and Vice President are killed, then the Speaker of the House takes position.
 * George Washington 1789-1797**
 * John Adams 1797-1801**
 * Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809**
 * James Madison1809-1817**
 * James Monroe 1817-1825**
 * John Quincy Adams 1825-1829**
 * Andrew Jackson 1829-1837**
 * James K. Polk 1845-1849**
 * Abraham Lincoln 1861-1865**
 * Andrew Johnson 1865-1869**
 * U Grant 1869-1877**
 * Rutherford B. Hayes 1877-1881**

**Timeline** media type="custom" key="21922638"

** George Washington ** **Date Alive:** February 22, 1732 to December 14, 1799 **Years Served:** 1789-1797 **Party:** Being the first president of the nation, he hoped to set an example by holding loyalty to no party; he believed that rivaling parties would only slow down the nation's politics and cause greater divides within the people. However, he is regarded as a Federalist due to his political actions. **Background Information:** George Washington was the first president of The United States. He was born out of nothing in a small Virginia home and received his only education from his tutors and older brother who educated in England. Otherwise his knowledge was self-made. Through connections to the wealthy upper class from his brother's marriage into a rich family, Washington was able to use his wits and confidence to settle at an Estate at Mount Vernon and earn an early spot in the Virginia Militia as a high ranking officer. This allowed him to be recognized as a respected leader. **Major Political Accomplishments:** Early Political Career (Pre-Revolution): Presidential Career (1789-1797): **Major Military Accomplishments and Highlights:** **Other:** N/A
 * Serves on the first form of American Democracy, The Virginia House of Burgesses from 1759-1774.
 * Opposing the Stamp Act of 1765, Washington convinced his fellow Virginians that the Boston Tea Party wasn't such a bad thing.
 * From 1774-1775, Washington serves on the First Continental Congress, the first organized national government.
 * Washington, being the first president, had to make a good impression
 * He created a cabinet of advisors, and listened to both sides of an argument before making a decision
 * Washington had to deal with the Whiskey Rebellion: This was important because he showed military power, and that he was not fooling around
 * Also tries to stay as neutral as possible in world affairs: Focuses on developing the United States than destroying it with more war
 * Overall, Washington was responsible for setting a standard and allowing the nation to get back on its feet: Allowing it to grow as a superpower
 * Career Begins with Service in the Virginia Militia
 * By the time of the Revolutionary War, Washington is the only man suitable for leading the nation's army, despite his doubts
 * Washington's military strategy and skill was based on bad mistakes through his career: It took awhile to get on top of the War
 * Finally succeeds at winning some battles that promote morale
 * Trenton: December 24, 1776: Washington crosses the Delaware in the freezing night and captures a group of sleeping Hessians
 * Battle of Saratoga: 1777, Important because it gained French Support
 * Battle of Yorktown: Washington forces Cornwallis (British General) to surrender

** John Adams **


 * Date Alive:** October 30, 1735 to July 4, 1826


 * Years Served:** 1797-1801


 * Party:** Federalist


 * Background Information:** Adams was a Massachusetts man. Born just outside of Boston in Quincy, MA, Adams worked very hard and was able to receive and education at Harvard College, graduating in 1755. Like Washington, Adams jumped right into the political scene. With his new knowledge he was able to quickly establish himself as one of the leaders of the country. He was also very important during the revolutionary war and establishing the foundation of our nation.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career (Pre-Revolution):
 * Serves on both the First and Second Continental Congresses
 * Adams is very patriotic and pro-independence: He is the one who helps with the Declaration and nominates Washington as the general to lead
 * Is able to negotiate the Treaty of Paris in 1783 that ends the war

Presidential Career (1797-1801):
 * Adams wins the Presidential election over Hamilton
 * He is in command during the emergence of two parties
 * The Federalists feel he is not keeping the central government strong enough and is ruining the higher class
 * The Democratic-Republicans feel he is a tyrant trying to assume the position of king
 * He continues Washington's neutral position with France and Britain who are battling
 * He is able to stop the Conflict through mainly diplomatic solution
 * The Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)
 * For Immigrants: Anyone can be imprisoned or deported if they are dangerous (targeted at the French)
 * This was hugely unpopular and seen as unconstitutional


 * Major Military Accomplishments:**
 * The Quasi War: An informal naval conflict between France and the United States
 * Initially Adams engaged in fighting
 * However he makes the executive decision not to go to war: The county was just not ready


 * Other:** N/A

** Thomas Jefferson **




 * Date Alive:** April 34, 1743 to July 4, 1826


 * Years Served:** 1801-1809


 * Party:** Anti-Federalist, Creates the Democratic-Republican Party


 * Background Information:** Jefferson was born into a very rich family. Growing up in Virginian aristocracy, he was already given a fabulous opportunity to excel in the world of politics. He graduated from the college of William and Mary in 1762. He married Martha Wayles Skelton in 1772, and then began the construction of his mansion at Monticello. Jefferson was actively involved in politics at a young age, and also served as a local military leader. Ultimately, he established himself as one of the more well known politicians of the time, allowing him to secure many leadership positions.


 * Major Political Accomplishments**

Early Political Career: (Pre-Presidential)
 * Served on the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1769-1775
 * Writes //A Summary View of the Rights of British America//, and ideology on the American Colonial Situation and Rising Conflicts
 * Jefferson believed in loyalty to the king, but did not believe that they owed loyalty to Parliament and their laws and taxation
 * Written in 1774, establishes him as one of the most influential political writers
 * Writes the Declaration in 1776: Again, Jefferson uses his writing skills to create a very significant and memorable document
 * Leaves Congress in 1776 to go to the Virginia House of Delegates and then returns to Congress in 1783
 * Jefferson works very hard at passing some of the most important preliminary bills
 * Works in Virginia to Separate Church and State, later passes in Congress
 * Jefferson also pushes for public education
 * Develops the coinage system***
 * //Report of the Government for the Western Territory// is the basis for the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, arguing that slavery should not be spread
 * After disagreeing with Hamilton and Washington while serving as an advisor to the Washington Presidency, he resigns
 * Gains enormous support from Anti-Federalists
 * Elected Vice President to Adams later

Presidential Career (1801-1809):
 * First term was an overall success
 * Looks to Cut taxes, remove Federalists that dominate Congress
 * Though extreme interpretation of Constitution at first, his views loosen
 * Buy the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 from Napoleon
 * This is unconstitutional because it is never mentioned in the Constitution that foriegn lands may be bought
 * Some are happy some are not, but in any case it is critical to the expansion of the United States in whole
 * Second term was faced with more challenges
 * Had to deal with the English and the French who were battling over seas
 * Trouble begins with blockades that are capturing U.S. ships
 * Jefferson attempts to make a deal with either France or Britain, trading with one, stopping with the other
 * Although Napoleon agrees, he quickly betrays Jefferson
 * Jefferson passes the Embargo Act in 1807, which stopped all trade between the U.S. and all foreign nations
 * This is extremely unpopular and met with tons of criticism
 * Does not affect Britain and France in the way Jefferson wanted
 * Economy suffers heavily, repealed later


 * Major Military Accomplishments:**
 * Barbary Pirates: Pirates that were terrorizing the United States and shipping
 * Jefferson creates a naval blockade that halts attacks and gains a treaty in 1805
 * The Chesapeake, a frigate, is attacked by the British, which makes many want to go to war; however, Jefferson resists


 * Other:** Before his death, Jefferson creates The University of Virginia, one of his proudest accomplishments.

** James Madison **


 * Date Alive:** March 16, 1751 to June 28, 1836


 * Years Served:** 1809-1817


 * Party:** Democratic-Republican


 * Background Information:** James Madison was born into a rich Virginian family. He received an education at Princeton University, looking into a profession in either religion or law. However, he realized neither subject was his calling, so he looked for something truly meaningful. After being elected to the Second Continental Congress in 1780, he was able to establish himself as a very well-knowledge politician.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career (Pre-Presidency)
 * Very influential at the Constitutional Convention: Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution
 * Madison initially was key in editing the Articles of Confederation, an early Constitution
 * Later he was able to use his unique political knowledge to create a better document
 * He wrote the //Federalist Papers//, a compilation of essays explaining how this nation's new government would operate
 * These were the basis of the Bill of Rights
 * Helped state what the nation would look like moving forward

Presidential Career (1809-1817)
 * Madison's campaign for President was difficult because of his small and shy voice, and lack of assertiveness
 * However, being extremely popular, he defeats Monroe to represent his party
 * Madison's initial conflict was dealing with the divide with the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists:
 * He was having trouble finding a balance that would not infuriate his party and cause conflict with the opposing
 * He makes the decision to go to war after British attacks on U.S. ships: This is supported by many, but extremely hated by the Northern Federalists
 * Some threaten secession at the Hartford Convention


 * Major Military Accomplishments:**
 * The War of 1812: A conflict that arose between Britain and America over previous tensions in the Revolutionary War and British occupation of the west
 * Initially the Americans fail to invade Canada and Britain burns the capital in 1814
 * However, Jackson's massive victory at the Battle of New Orleans essentially finishes the conflict
 * Although the War was a victory for the U.S., it gained nothing, putting both sides back where they started


 * Other:** N/A

** James Monroe **




 * Date Alive:** April 28, 1758 to July 4, 1831


 * Years Served:** 1817-1825


 * Party:** Democratic Republican


 * Background Information:** Monroe grew up in Virginia. He attended the College of William and Mary in 1774 and 1775 but then went off to fight in the Revolution under Washington. After almost dying at the Battle of Trenton, Monroe was able to emerse himself in a number of diplomatic missions to France and Britain. During his presidency, he served in the Era of Good Feelings, making his job relatively easy and making him well liked by the public.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career:
 * Serves on the Senate for Virginia from 1780-1783
 * Governor of Virginia from 1799-1802
 * Begins to establish himself as the new leader of the Democratic-Republican Party
 * Serves as Secretary of State under the Madison Administration

Presidential Career:
 * Monroe's first term is highlighted by success
 * Political parties stop battling
 * Economy and culture prosper
 * Monroe is loved by the people
 * Conflicts arise in 1819 with Financial Crisis
 * He also must deal with colonization issues
 * He feels that slavery and its expansion will be an issue going forward: Passes the Missouri Compromise
 * Also creates the famous Monroe Doctrine, an official statement saying no nations will colonize any where in North America


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** Other than serving himself in the military, Monroe did not face any serious military conflicts during his service as President.


 * Other:** N/A

** John Quincy Adams **




 * Date Alive:** July 11, 1767 to February 21, 1848


 * Years Served:** 1825-1829


 * Party:** Federalist


 * Background Information:** John Quincy Adams was born and grew up in Braintree, Massachusetts. He studied at Harvard University, graduating in 1787. Adams found that after studying law, that he was much more interested in politics. Adam's career was very difficult because many were unhappy with his "style" of leadership. Adams was often seen as un-loyal to the beliefs of the Federalist Party, and his time as President was not supported due to the very close race with Jackson.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career:
 * Serves as Minister to France, Russia, and the Netherlands: He focused a lot on international relations
 * He leads the Committee that signs the Treaty of Ghent in 1814, that ends the War of 1812
 * Adams is elected to the U.S. Senate by Massachusetts in 1803, and is again seen as very difficult to work with
 * He votes for controversial topics
 * His colleagues already determine who will take his place half way through his service
 * Resigns as an independent
 * He later takes position as Secretary of State under Monroe and gets hugely popular for his fabulous job
 * Defeats Jackson because Clay throws his support to Quincy Adams

Presidential Career (1825-1829): Adam's presidential career was very difficult. Many accused him and Clay of supporting each other when Adams appointed Clay to Secretary of State right after he threw his support to Adams. Quincy Adams tried to support Clay's American System and internal improvements by high powered central government. He was largely unpopular and quickly defeated by Andrew Jackson in 1829.


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** John Quincy saw no major military conflict during his time as President.


 * Other:** Quincy Adams was the son of John Adams, the Second President of the United States.

** Andrew Jackson **
 * Date Alive:** March 15, 1767 to June 8, 1845


 * Years Served:** 1829-1837


 * Party:** Democratic-Republican


 * Background Information:** Andrew Jackson was born poor in Waxhaw, South Carolina. His father died before he was born and he received very little education beyond what he was able to teach himself. Jackson, while serving in the Revolutionary War at age 13, decided to talk back to a British Officer when asked to polish the officer's shoes. He was almost killed when slashed with a sword. After coming out of the war with no family, he made himself into what he wanted to be. He educated at Salisbury in 1787 and worked hard, eventually getting himself the position as President.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career:
 * After receiving an education, Jackson earned a spot in the House of Representatives in 1796, representing Tennessee
 * The year later, Jackson took a spot on the Senate when one of his colleagues was kicked out of the Senate
 * During the election of 1824, Jackson lost by a very close vote, but easily won the next year due to the unpopularity of John Quincy Adams

Presidential Career (1829-1837):
 * Jackson's time as President was hugely successful: He was very popular among the people, claiming he represented the "Common Man"
 * Jackson began a new political movement called Jacksonian Democracy that focused on getting more people voting
 * Jackson removes the property requirements that were stopping many white men from voting
 * He is adored however by the thousands of new voters who were now getting a say in the nation's politics
 * He faces a couple problems during his presidency, however:
 * Nullification Crisis and States Rights
 * Conflict within his cabinet and colleagues: specifically who would be closer to Jackson and be then next nominated for President
 * The Bank of the United States
 * Nicholas Biddle and Clay and Webster try to get the bank back up and running: they look for a charter from Congress
 * Jackson vetoes it immediately
 * Large public (common man) support


 * Major Military Accomplishments:**
 * Jackson was a soldier in essence: He fought in the War of 1812, and in the Battle of New Orleans he assured U.S. victory over the British
 * The Nullification Crisis (South Carolina)
 * Jackson sent in troops to stop the threats of South Carolina
 * First display of military power under Jackson
 * Almost starts the Civil War early
 * Trail of Tears: When Georgia has problems with the Cherokee Indians, Jackson does not hesitiate and forces them west in a huge migration
 * Very sad, cruel, and questionable
 * Lots of deaths


 * Other:** N/A

** Martin Van Buren **


 * Date Alive:** December 5, 1782 to July 24, 1862


 * Years Served:** 1837-1841


 * Party:** Democratic-Republican


 * Background Information:** Van Buren was born in Kinderhook, New York. He only was educated at a private high school, beginning an education in law at a young age. He was able to start his own practice early on and study politics.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career:
 * Van Buren used his skills in law to become the leader of the Democratic-Republicans in New York: When he leaves he has created a completely new system
 * Elected to the Senate by New York in 1819
 * Van Buren studies the Senate carefully and leans closer and closer to Jackson and his policies
 * By the end of Jackson's terms, Van Buren is his right hand man, gaining him the party nomination
 * He easily defeats the opposition

Presidential Career (1837-1841):
 * The Panic of 1837
 * Economic depression during his presidency made him largely unpopular
 * He still continued to manage Jackson's ideals and decentralize government
 * Van Buren creates a temporary national treasury to deal with the economy
 * His unfortunate series of event with the economy causes him to lose the re-election


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** Van Buren saw no military conflict during his presidency. There was almost a war against Canada over borders, however that was put down with a treaty.


 * Other:** N/A

William Henry Harrison


 * Date Alive:** February 9, 1773 to April 4, 1841


 * Years Served:** 1841-1841


 * Party:** Whig Party


 * Background Information:** William Henry Harrison was born in Virginia in 1773, and after pursuing a medicine career enlisted in the military, After some considerable accomplishments in the War of 1812 and against Indians, Harrison was elected in 1841 as the Whig Party Candidate. Unfortunately, he died one month after his inauguration due to pneumonia.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:** Harrison's death was so important because it established the process of succesion if the President were to be killed. His Vice President, John Tyler then took his place in 1841.


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** Before his presidency Harrison was a very important military leader. He fought Indian Wars particularly that were aimed at securing land for pioneers and Americans moving west. He was ultimately very successful. Along with this, his succeses in the War of 1812 got him promoted as a general.


 * Other: N/A**

John Tyler
 * Date Alive:** March 29, 1790 to January 18, 1862


 * Years Served:** 1841-1845


 * Party:** Whig


 * Background Information:** Tyler was the Vice-President of William Henry Harrison who took over when Harrison died just one month into his term. He was quite radical and fought often over the position of the states and the federal government (their relationship in terms of power). Tyler opposed the Missouri Compromise of 1820.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:** N/A


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** N/A


 * Other:** N/A

** James K. Polk **




 * Date Alive:** November 2, 1795 to June 15, 1849


 * Years Served:** 1845-1849


 * Party:** Democratic-Republican


 * Background Information:** Raised in North Carolina, Polk was constantly ill and almost died at age 16. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1818, studying law. A close friend to Jackson, Polk used his connections to gain support. Today he is known as one of the best presidents due to his efficiency and the numerous lands (1,000,000 sq. miles!!) he brought into the nation.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career:
 * Serves in the House of Representatives for Tennessee, elected in 1824
 * Speaker of the House, elected in 1835: Association with Jackson allows South to criticize him heavily
 * Clay's nomination is supported by Andrew Jackson and he focuses his campaign on the annexation of Texas and Oregon: He wins a close race

Presidential Career (1845-1849):
 * Polk works on Expansion
 * Conflict with Britain is resolved over negotiation: Oregon boundary is established
 * Polk sends Zachary Taylor to fight the Mexicans (Mexican War) and wins
 * Establishes the Rio Grande as the Southern Border and gives the U.S. California and Texas for 15 million
 * He also tells Congress of the Gold in California, officially starting the Gold Rush
 * Debates heavily over the issue of the expansion of slavery: He is anti-slavery expansion. This causes more Civil War Conflict
 * Opposes Clay's American System as well


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** The only military conflict in Polk's Presidency was the Mexican War, which was a success. Though there were some set backs (Remember the Alamo...), ultimately the War was a victory. Polk also was threatened with war against Britain over the Oregon Border, however he resisted.


 * Other:** Polk's administration was the most efficient of all time. As a result, Polk's hard work drained all the life inside of him, and he died shortly after his term.

Zachary Taylor


 * Date Alive:** November 24, 1784 to July 9, 1850


 * Years Served:** 1849-1850


 * Party:** Whig Party


 * Background Information:** Taylor was a Virginian who rose to power through his military victories in the Mexican War. An excellent strategist, he was able to win the Mexican War and receive renowned credit. When elected President, he hoped to dominate politics with Whig policies and politicians. His most important political goal was the passage of the Compromise of 1850. His Vice President, Fillmore, was able to fulfill this destiny shortly after. Taylor died from gastroenteritis, an unknown and tragic death at the time.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:** N/A


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** N/A


 * Other:** N/A

Millard Fillmore




 * Date Alive:** January 7, 1800 to March 8, 1874


 * Years Served:** 1850-1853


 * Party:** Whig Party


 * Background Information:** Fillmore had to stand in for Zachary Taylor after his sudden death two years into his presidency. Fillmore immediately changed his cabinet, and had difficulty gaining support from the Whigs. He looked to pass bills in the Compromise of 1850 and enforce them. His party was not happy or organized and he was not reelected.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:** N/A


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** N/A


 * Other:** N/A

Franklin Pierce
 * Date Alive:** November 23, 1804 to October 8, 1869


 * Years Served:** 1853-1857


 * Party:** Democratic Party


 * Background Information:** Franklin Pierce was a Democratic New Hampshire man who was appointed as President during a very tense time. With growing tensions between the Northern and Southern States over the issue of slavery, Pierce was supposed to be able to unite both and keep tensions low. Unfortunately, he was not able to succeed and the situation was worse then when it started.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:** N/A


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** N/A


 * Other:** N/A

James Buchanan


 * Date Alive:** April 23, 1791 to June 1, 1868


 * Years Served:** 1857-1861


 * Party:** Democratic Party


 * Background Information:** Buchanan was the last hope for the nation going into the Civil War. Buchanan hoped to create a compromise that would allow the nation to stay together, but ultimately, the nation was already past compromise. By the time of reelection, Lincoln's election had already forced the deep South to secede from the Union. Buchanan left leaving the nation a mess for Lincoln to clean up.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:** N/A


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** N/A


 * Other:** N/A

** Abraham Lincoln **


 * Date Alive:** February 12, 1809 to April 14, 1865


 * Years Served:** 1861-1865


 * Party:** Republican Party


 * Background Information:** Abraham Lincoln is one of the most famous and well-known Presidents of all time. Lincoln grew up on the fronteer, in Kentucky and Illinois. Lincoln was dead-set on getting an education. He learned to read from his mother and worked even harder to attain knowledge after the death of his beloved mother. Lincoln worked in some shops to gain some wealth to gain and education, and then began his campaigning for political positions.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career:
 * 1834: First Political Service: The Illinois State Assembly
 * 1846: Elected to the United States House of Representatives by Illinois
 * Works against Mexican War
 * Believes in stopping the expansion of slavery into the territories
 * 1860: The Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Lincoln joins the newly formed Republican Party and debates Douglas on the issue of slavery, securing his position as President with his fabulous debating skills and witty-humor

Presidential Career (1861-1865):
 * Lincoln's Presidency was very difficult but his superior leadership got the nation through the Civil War
 * Buchanan had left Lincoln with an already seceded South
 * Troops were already gathering: War had begun and Lincoln was in the middle
 * Fort Sumter began the Civil War, and Lincoln made an official declaration
 * Lincoln needed the Union to stay together
 * He also needed slavery to stop
 * He was against slavery but was still technically a racist***
 * After gaining some momentum after a series of horrible defeats, The victory at Antietam allowed Lincoln to pass the Emancipation Proclamation
 * This was a military strategy, releasing all the slaves under the control of the Confederate States
 * This was extremely controversial but eventually passes and is a success: The difficulty later on is dealing with the freed blacks
 * With the victory of the Civil War, Lincoln made his final //Gettysburg Address//, one of the most memorable speeches ever
 * "Four score and seven years ago,..."
 * Major Military Accomplishments:** Lincoln was able to successfully stop the South seceding from the Nation. It was almost an impossible feat at first, but some how he was able to turn it around and win the war. With his Emancipation Proclamation and his win at Gettysburg, Lincoln was able to secure that the nation stayed as one.


 * Other:** Lincoln's attempts at Reconstruction were brought to a halt with his assassination, a day of national grief.

** Andrew Johnson **
 * Date Alive:** December 29, 1808 to July 31, 1875


 * Years Served:** 1865-1869


 * Party:** Democratic Party


 * Background Information:** Andrew Johnson was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. Johnson received no formal education, and thus educated himself. Serving as the Vice President to Lincoln, he stepped in after Lincoln's assassination. Dealing with the task of Reconstruction, Johnson was very unpopular, and was the only President besides Bill Clinton who was put through the dreaded impeachment trials.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career:
 * Johnson's first political position was in the House of Representatives, elected in 1843 by North Carolina
 * Expressed extreme interest in the common citizen, however he owned slaves himself
 * Worked as Military Governor for Tennessee as well

Presidential Career (1865-1869):
 * Johnson had to focus on Reconstruction: He was put in at a very difficult time and was left with a ton on his plate
 * Johnson hoped to keep Lincoln's Philosophies on reconstruction
 * He hoped to bring the states in quickly like Lincoln, but was ultimately stopped by the Radical Republicans in Congress
 * Once he got the nations back into the Union, many Republicans were still unhappy because he was not being harsh enough and was giving out political pardons to leaders, allowing old Confederate Democrats to come back in power.
 * Radicals look to get Johnson out and let Congress run Reconstruction
 * The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson: Johnson refused to follow the Tenure of Office Act (1867)
 * He fires a cabinet member without the consent of the Senate
 * The House of Representatives immediately uses this to impeach Johnson
 * However, he gets saved, being one vote short (in the Senate) of losing his position


 * Major Military Accomplishments:** Johnson was dealing with the Post-Civil War: Neither the South or the North had much fighting in them: Military conflict was out of the question at the moment. Radicals wanted military occupation in the South, but there was no actual combat, just occupation to make sure the South behaved when reentering the Union.


 * Other:** N/A

** Ulysses S. Grant **


 * Date Alive:** April 27, 1822 to July 23, 1885


 * Years Served:** 1869-1877


 * Party:** Republican Party


 * Background Information:** Grant was born in Ohio, and received a public education nearby. His father quickly shipped him off to West Point to enroll him in the military. Grant was initially serving with Louisiana and Missouri, but then he decided to join Taylor's army and fought in the Mexican War. After troubles with alcohol, he resigned from the military.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career: Grant really had no political experience before being President. The reason he was elected was because he was a war hero and was very popular.

Presidential Career (1869-1877):
 * Grant's first term was quite smooth: He really hoped to let the Republicans in Congress run Reconstruction, not butting in or trying to pass new bills himself. This made him quite like-able in Congress and with the general public: Things were getting past, and the country was getting back on its feet.
 * He passed what they were putting out often
 * The Economy and Immigration were both up during Grant's administration
 * Grant also is able to oppress some major movements like the Ku Klux Klan
 * He is not stopping them all together, until 1872 where he breaks up the group (They still exist, just covert)
 * His downfall is the economy deficit that comes his second term: His administration becomes corrupt and steals tons of federal money
 * For this almost everyone except Grant is kicked out of their position
 * To this day, people are unsure if Grant was in on it or not


 * Major Military Accomplishments:**
 * Grant was initially in the Military but resigned: Lincoln later hired him when he fought valiantly in a state militia during the Civil War
 * Grant captured Fort Donelson and 14,000 men: Seen as a War Hero
 * Lincoln puts him in charge of all Union Forces
 * His total war strategy ensures victory for the North: Although very harmful to civilians and property, it works
 * Lee signs the Treaty of Appomattox, in 1865, ending the war


 * Other:** N/A

** Rutherford B. Hayes **


 * Date Alive:** October 4, 1882 to January 17, 1893


 * Years Served:** 1877-1881


 * Party:** Republican Party


 * Background Information:** Hayes was born and raised in Delaware, Ohio. He received a college education at Kenyon College, graduating in 1842, and also graduated from Harvard Law School in 1845. Hayes started small by bringing his skills as an attorney to politics. He got his first position as a city solicitor.


 * Major Political Accomplishments:**

Early Political Career:
 * Hayes began by bringing the Republican Party to the state of Ohio, and then won his election for city solicitor
 * Elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1864 by Ohio, resigning from his duty in the Civil War (he was almost killed three times as an officer)
 * In the House of Representatives, he gets permission to start the Library of Congress: One of the Largest Collections of Books ever
 * After a brief break to serve as Governor of Ohio, Hayes returned to fight for better schooling and mental hospitals, as well as ratifying the 15th Amendment

Presidential Career (1877-1881)
 * Hayes was elected President 165-184. This means that neither reached the 185. 20 votes had been confused and mixed up, and after a long while, a committee voted that Hayes would receive all 20, giving him 185 exactly and making him the winner: This was enormously controversial.
 * Hayes, knowing that many were not in support of him, tried to mix his cabinet and stay open to suggestions so as to please both sides of the spectrum
 * His main focus was to improve Civil Service Reform
 * Reconstruction ended under Hayes, and all troops were removed from the South*

Major Military Accomplishments: There was no military conflict during the Hayes administration.

Other:** N/A

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