American Presidents

America's first president faces a challenge larger than a British army starting a country.

A lawyer from Harvard who is leading the movement for independence struggles during his presidency to keep the U.S. out of war in France.

The primary author of the Declaration of Independence ends his disastrous presidency while risking the American economy to avoid war in France and Britain.

Known as the father of the constitution, Madison is forced to begin the War of 1812 with one political party on the line: the Federalists.

James Monroe's presidency is known as the era of good feelings, but his greatest achievement is called the Monroe Doctrine.

John Quincy Adams' accomplishments as president of the U.S. are few and far in between, but his future becomes bright once he loses his reelection.

One of the most controversial presidents in the U.S. strengthens the power for all the American presidents with his dominating force.

Martin Van Buren is known as the architect of the modern Democratic Party, and he faces the global economic disaster in 1837 that his predecessor left for him.

An American military officer's future becomes shorter than expected.

The first president born as a U.S. citizen embarks on his greatest achievement: the annexation of Texas.

A slaveholder plays a major role in the expansion of U.S. territory through the Mexican-American War.

A hero from the Mexican-American War goes on to be the nation's 12th president and has no political background.

An accidental president enforces the Fugitive Slave Law and signs on the compromise of 1850.

From losing his son at the start of his term, to getting rejected by his own party, Franklin Pierce goes down in history as one of the worst presidents.

A bachelor throughout his entire presidency plays a role in the crash of 1857.

A lawyer who is known as the Great Emancipator.

The first president to be impeached for violating the Tenure of Office Act.

A war hero helps bring about the ratification of the 15th amendment.

A candidate in one of the nation's most disputed elections wins the presidency and begins the efforts that lead to civil service reform.

A battle between the stalwarts and half-breeds results in the death of the nation's new president.

The assassination of President Garfield will lead Chester Alan Arthur to sign in The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act.

The First Democratic President since the Civil War will go on to be the only president in history to serve two non-consecutive terms.

The last civil war general elected president goes on to enact the Sherman Antitrust Act.

In his second non-consecutive term, Cleveland saves the economic system during what would be known as the worst labor strife in U.S. history.

The dominant political figure of his generation.

An assassination leads to his presidency, where his greatest achievements will be in conservation.

He starts off as Teddy Roosevelt's right-hand-man, up until his actions lead Roosevelt to break a promise and run against him.

A leader of the Progressive Movement.

His campaign slogan, "Return to Normalcy," proved to be a success to a war-weary country.

Known as "Silent Cal."

A wealthy businessman and former Secretary of Commerce is faced with America's greatest economic crisis.

Related to 11 former presidents, Franklin D. Roosevelt tackles two of the greatest challenges in modern American history: World War II and the Great Depression.

Just 109 days after assuming office, Truman makes the most monumental military decision ever, but his true legacy may be how he guided America through the first years as a new world power.

This war hero and general may be best remembered for the warning of his farewell Presidential address.

The first president born in the 20th century brings a sense of royalty to the White House but meets a tragic end.

Taking over under the most dire of circumstances, Lyndon B. Johnson accomplishes far more than people expect.

After a successful first term and a landslide victory in his second election, Richard Nixon becomes the only U.S. president ever to resign.

The only president to never be elected tries to restore faith in the office.

Looking at a president who came face to face with inflation, the energy crisis and hostages in Iran.

Looking at a movie star turned president who was not taken seriously by the nation.

The last American president to fight in World War II tries to keep "a shining city on upon a hill" lit with 1,000 points of light.

The 46-year-old former Arkansas governor and Rhodes scholar rides to victory by telling America, "it's the economy, stupid."

The winner of a legally contested election, just 9 months into his presidency, is faced with the deadliest attack on U.S. soil since WWII.

America's first African American president comes to power with a failing economy at home and protracted war abroad.

A wealthy businessman and television star wins the most shocking election since Dewey vs. Truman on the promise to reform immigration, ignite the economy and change the ways of Washington.