The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election is heating up as Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump enter the final battle stage. As the world eagerly awaits the results of the November election, let’s take a look back at the recent 10 U.S. Presidents and their major achievements.
The U.S. political landscape is dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties, with the past several presidential elections showcasing a fierce competition between the two major parties. Out of the recent 10 elected Presidents, 6 have come from the Republican Party and 4 from the Democratic Party.
1. Joe Biden (2021-2025)
Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, made history as the oldest President to be sworn in. During his bid for re-election in 2024, Biden faced criticism for his performance in the debates against Trump and his advanced age. He announced his withdrawal from the race on July 21, leaving speculation on his effectiveness as a lame-duck President leading up to the inauguration of the next President in 2025.
2. Donald Trump (2017-2021)
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, was the first President with no prior political or military experience. Nominated by the Republican Party for the 2024 election, Trump was stabbed during a campaign event on July 13. His policies during his term included immigration bans, building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and tax cuts.
3. Barack Obama (2009-2017)
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, made history as the first President of African descent. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. Obama’s administration prioritized the capture of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, successfully eliminating him during his presidency.
4. George W. Bush (2001-2009)
George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, faced the 9/11 terrorist attacks during his tenure, leading to a series of global anti-terrorism wars, including the overthrow of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in 2001 and the Saddam regime in Iraq in 2003.
5. Bill Clinton (1993-2001)
Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, took office after the end of the Cold War, becoming the first President of the post-World War II baby boomer generation. Despite being the second President in U.S. history to be impeached, he ended his term with a high approval rating of 65%.
6. George H. W. Bush (1989-1993)
George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, led the country through the 1991 Gulf War, defeating Iraq and solidifying America’s military power and global “policeman” status. However, his administration faced challenges such as economic recession and rising unemployment, leading to his failure to secure re-election.
7. Ronald Reagan (1981-1989)
Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, transitioned from Hollywood actor to the White House, becoming the oldest President inaugurated until his record was broken by Trump and Biden. His economic reforms, known as “Reaganomics,” reduced government intervention and brought economic prosperity to the country.
8. Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, is the longest-living President to date. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter established the Department of Energy and the Department of Education domestically, while emphasizing human rights protection internationally.
9. Gerald Ford (1974-1977)
Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, succeeded Nixon after his resignation, becoming the only person in U.S. history to ascend to the presidency without being elected as Vice President or President.
10. Richard Nixon (1969-1974)
Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, is the only President to resign from office during his term. He successfully ended U.S. military action in Vietnam and improved relations with the Soviet Union and China before the Watergate scandal led to his resignation.
In conclusion, the legacies of these recent 10 U.S. Presidents have shaped the country’s history and politics in significant ways. As the 2024 Presidential Election unfolds, the world watches to see who will be the next leader to make their mark on American history.
