AP US History Presidents timeline

AP US History – Presidents Timeline w/ Events & Themes

Washington administration

Election year	Term Start Year	President	Notes / Events/ Themes
1788-89	1789	George Washington establishing executive branch & defining its powers national unity war debt managing divisive politics (Hamilton v. Jefferson) US international neutrality	Main goal: set precedents for presidency establish executive authority establish prestige and manner of the presidency, esp. public respect separation of powers executive privilege two-year term limit (informal, followed by Washington’s example) operate new government under Constitution how to interpret? Strict v loose interpretation = debate between Jeffersonians and Hamiltonians how to raise revenue National Debt = huge issue deal to pay state debts cut in exchange for placement of DC in between Maryland and Virginia (on land ceded to the government by those states) War between France and Britain, starting 1792 divided American sentiments Hamiltonians/Adams: sympathized with Britain for standing against the French Revolution and its principles Jeffersonians: sympathized with democratic values of French Revolution
1792	1793	George Washington treaties with Britain & Spain to consolidate US territory exercising federal power to put down Whiskey Rebeliion Farwell Address Two-term precedent	Neutrality Proclamation of 1793 with war between England and France, the U.S. was pressured by each side not to trade with or support the other Washington issued is Neutrality Proclamation in order to uphold the U.S. position of not favoring either side and to maintain trade with both the position was unteneble, becuase Britan and France both objected to US trade / support for the other, and actively blocked, attacked, or seized U.S. vessels "Citizen Genet" (1793) affair French diplomat who tried to raise money & arms for French war w/ Britain marked division between Americans who Whiskey Rebellion (1794) Washington sends federal troops to enforce tax collection established Washington’s willingness to use executive powers Jay's Treaty (1794) Treaty proposal written by Hamilton, negotiated w/ British by Secretary of State John Jay = prevented war causes: British occupied forts in U.S. Northwest Territory and along Canadian border US reneged on paymenbt Britain agreed to leave U.S. Territory US agreed to pay some war debts established "arbitration" as a means of settling disputes first effective use of arbitration, which would become the dominant form of diplomatic resolution (short of war) into the 20th century opposition to Jay's Treaty Jeffersonians hated its trade preferences w/ Britain southerners felt betrayed by Jay for not pursuing compensation for losses of slaves during the Revoluationary War 1796: House of Reps demanded White House documents from the treaty, Washington refused, = establishing "executive privilege" Treaty of San Lorenzo (1796) also called "Pinckney's Treaty" agreement w/ Spain for US access to Miss. River removal of Spanish forts on US land promise from Spain to help stop Indian attacks on US settlers Washington Farewell Address avoid faction/ political parties avoid foreign entanglements Other events/ Themes Setting the example for future Presidents dignity of office two terms limit representing the entire nation

Early Republic: Adams to Monroe

Election year	Term Start Year	President	Notes / Events/ Themes
1796	1797	John Adams political divisions Alien & Sedition Acts "midnight appointments"	avoided war w/ France XYZ Affair (1797-98) US diplomats to France, which demanded a bribe, 3 French officials = M. X, Y, & Z turned American public against France US had naval clashes w/ French in “Quasi-War” but no declared or all-out war Alien & Sedition Acts (1798) "scandalous and malicious writing" anti-immigrants esp. French Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions (1798-99) states can declare a federal law unconstitutional = "nullification" authored by Jefferson and Madison Midnight appointments: last minute appointments by Adams to fill offices with loyalists/federalists, one Marbury, doesn’t get his papers before Jefferson becomes president, sues the government for his position Leads to: Marbury v. Madison (1803) John Marshall rules that Marbury cannot take the position but only because the law his appointment was based upon, the Judiciary Act of 1789 is unconstitutional = establishes judicial review
1800	1801	Jefferson	Revolution of 1800 1st transition of power from one faction to another w/o violence Jefferson & Burr tied, Federalists in House ultimately supported Jefferson 12th amendment = created party ticket president and vice presidents would be voted as a “ticket” previously no. 2 in Electoral College vote became V.P. two-party system: 12th amendment electoral college majority winner requirement rewards 2-party system Jefferson Inaugural Address (1801): sought to reconcile bitterness between partires/factions “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists” Louisiana Purchase (1802) Monroe sent to France (which acquired Louisana from the Spanish) French no longer needed New Orleans bc of Haitian rebellion offered to sell for 15mm Jefferson based power to purchase on executive powers of diplomacy federalists didn't like b/c would add more southern states Essex Junto w/ Aaron Burr plotted secession, anti-Jefferson
1804	1805	Thomas Jefferson	*British-French conflict: 1805 blockades start by Fr & Brit Brit start impressment of US sailors Embargo Act of 1807: US response to blockades, shut down trade New England economy collapse some New Englanders seriously prpoposed leaving the union so that Non-Intercourse Act of 1809 reopened trade w/ other nations except Britain/ France
1808	1809	James Madison British tensions War of 1812	Events leading to War of 1812 Macon's Bill No. 2: reopened trade w Britain and France France agreed to trade w US, in exchange for US stopping trade w/ Britain British stepped up embargo & impressment of American sailors War Hawks want war to grab more territories, west, southwest and Canada Clay & Calhoun leaders Indian wars in Northwest Territories & British material support for the tribes and their attacks Battle of Tippiconaoe /Tecumseh American settlers want to push into Canada in 1813 American raided York, a regional capital of Canada, and looted and burned it in 1814 the Britsh burned Washington, DC in retaliation
1812	1813	James Madison War of 1812	Effects of War of 1812: ended Indian resistance to US expansion westward push more US economic independence from Britain Jackson = war hero Nationalistic enthusiasm ruined Federalist party which had opposed the war Hartford Convention (1814-15) * federalists demanded changes in Constitution required 2/3ds vote for trade, new states, and limiting president to 1 term Madison supported: American System * manufacturing increased during the War of 1812 invest in federal roads and canals protective tariff 2nd national bank (1816)
1816	1817	James Monroe Era of Good Feelngs	Era of Good Feelings national pride following War of 1812, esp. 1815 Battle of New Orleans Monroe toured New England to show solidarity Monroe was a Democratic-Republican, but supported Nat Bank, tariffs & road building US acquired Florida from Spain (Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819) McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) said states cannot tax federal bank asserted federal powres over states, i.e. Supremacy Clause Panic of 1819 national bank tried to collect loans, very unpopular move
1820	1821	James Monroe Monroe Doctrine Missouri Compromise of 1820	Monroe Doctrine (1823) Madison opposed British efforts to work w/ US to stop Spanish colonialism in Cent Amer Monroe state of the union message declared: US would not accept any new colonization efforts by Euopeans * Europe not to interfere in Americas (including Russia bc Russia was tyring to colonize Alaska) Missouri Compromise (1820) 36/30 line maintain sectional balance between North and South in Senate

Antebellum

Election year	Term Start Year	President	Notes / Events/ Themes
1824	1825	John Quincy Adams	Election of 1824: most states now allow selection fo E.C. electors by vote of the people demise of caucus system = selection of electors by party leaders disputed election 0f 1824 Jackson won plurality but not majority election decided in House “Corrupt Bargain”: Clay gave support to JQ Adams in exchange for Sec state appointment Adams as president: fought w/ House, which was held by Democrats tried to get new tariffs, roads, and federal schools vitriolic period, lots of hating on each other Tariff of 1828 later called "Tariff of Abominations" 50% tariff nullification movement starts promoted by Senator John C Calhoun re. the tariff
1828	1829	Jackson	1st president not born in Virginia or named Adams = westerner, Tennessee considered self-made man Jackson supporters from 1824 election became Democratic party Issues: anti-nullification Jackson was a “unionist” opposed the National Bank * vetoed new charter * put federal money in other banks * paper money, supported "hard currency" = gold and silver (note: silver later seen as soft money after numerous mines discovered in late 1800s) spoils system: put supporters in federal jobs (mostly postal service) "Jacksonian democracy" universal white manhood suffrage enacted by states, not Jackson, but part of Jacksonian revolution Jackson’s coalition included anti-slavery, .especially western settlers Indian Removal Act (1830) enforced by Jackson
1832	1833	Jackson	Indian affairs: Jefferson had sought assimilation Jackson promoted removal Worcester v. Georgia (Marshall court ordered the U.S. to respect the property of the Native American tribes Jackson ignored the court order “Mr. Marshall has made his ruling. Now let him enforce it.” Trail of Tears, 1835-38 (under Van Buren) Seminole War, 1835-1842: enforced Removal Act on Seminole traibes in Florida * Dade Massacre, 1835 Tariff of 1832 South Carolina nullified the law Congress considered a "Force Bill" to send troops to enforce the tariff compromise reached by Clay & Calhoun, lowered tariff rates "Specie Circular" demanded "hard cash", or "specie" for government land sales instead of promissory notes or paper money (bank drafts, promises to pay, etc.) the government recognized an ongoing land speculation bubble and used the order to suppress it, but ended up causing a financial panic
1836	1837	Van Buren	Van Buren continued Jackson economic policies, anti-national bank Panic of 1837 caused by financial, land and commodities speculation bubble currency shortage "Specie Circular" which ended land sales by Fed Gov on credit, now demanded "hard cash" Panic of 1837, which had started before he became President, made Van Buren unpopular he did little to address the Panic and was accused of inaction by opponents on the other hand, his deregulation policies (unwinding the National Bank, etc.) eventually led to the recovery from the Panic
1840	1841-1841	William Henry Harrison	elected 1840 as a Whig defeated Van Buren in 1840 election saw his election as repudiation of Jackson/ Van Buren supported National Bank restoration and Clay's American System background: war hero ("Tippecanoe and Tyle Too" election slogan) from Ohio had served as secretary of the Northwest Territory in 1798; elected to Congress as non-voting representative of the Territory in 1799 became governor of Indiana territory in 1801 1st Whig President died of pneumonia after giving an excessively long inaugural address that outlined his and Whig party policies
	1841	John Tyler assumes office	John Tyler = former Democrat, assumed office as Whig (VP to Harrison) from Virginia opposed many Whig bills in congress known as "President without a party" proposed Annexation of Texas staunch "states rights" and pro-slavery proponent as a Whig, Tyler's presidency stimied Henry Clay's presidential ambitions
1844	1845	James K. Polk	* defeated Henry Clay in presidential election pledged to serve only one term Democrat main issues: restore Banking system (ending Jackson's Pet Banks) and lower tariffs Oregon Treaty (1846) w/ G.B. to settle border dispuute “54/40 or Fight” slogan to push Polk who didn't want two wars, Mex & Britain, into settling the border issue w/ Canada Mexican-American War, 1846-48 Texas independence 1836, joined Union 1845 Polk tried to buy Soutwest Terriroty Mexico refused, Polk put troops on border, provoking attack, which he used to justify starting the war (declared by Congress) Whigs: anti-war Lincoln promoted "Spot" resolutions to ridicule Polk (show the “spot” where American blood had been shed) < didn’t go anywhere Wilmot Proviso, 1846 * no territory taken from Mexico could have slavery Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago, 1848 ended war Mexican Cession: AZ, NM, CA, NV, UT areas not suitable for cotton slavery Effect on Slavery issue: “popular sovereignty”: pushed by Southerners to allow slavery into new territories < let the residents of territories decide renders Compromise of 1820 untenable
1848	1847-1850	Zachary Taylor	from Virginia, not a politician, recruited by the Whigs to run for president given his fame as military hero from Mexican-American War first President never to have held prior office defended slavery opposed national bank, banks in general
	1850	Millard Fillmore assumes office	Whig from upstate New York weak presidency was anti-slavery but held that it was not a federal issue biggest event: Compromise of 1850 deal cut by Henry Clay passed as separate laws, including: California admitted as free state NM & Utah territories to allow “popular sovereignty” to decide slavery issue Fugitive Slave Act Texas border w/ New Mexico settled (land for NM, money for TX)
1852	1853	Franklin Pierce	pro-Southern northerner Democrat ineffectual vs. sectional conflict issued “Ostend Manifesto” called for annexation of Cuba with European support goal was to expand U.S. slavery northerners outraged
1856	1857	James S. Buchanan	pro-Southern, northern Democrat had been diplomat service so was not tainted by Compromise of 1850 Financial Panic of 1857 reduces Northern economic pressure on South but increases social unrest accepts the civil war as inevitable does nothing to stop it, especially after Lincoln’s election (Nov. 1860) up to leaving office in March, 1861

Lincoln, Civil War, Reconstruction

Election year	Term Start Year	President	Notes / Events/ Themes
1860	1861	Abraham Lincoln	Rise of Lincoln’ political career fit the profile of fronteir American: Stories: tall, poor, rail splitter, learned to read “Nothing that’s not wrong with the rest of the world: I have 3 walnuts and each wants 2.” served in Congress in 1847-1849 (1 term) and opposed the Mexican-American War ran for Senate in Illinois v. Stephen Douglas, thus the "Linocln-Douglas Debates" presidential career launched after his "Cooper-Union Speech" that stunned the New York establishment audience with his wisdom and rhetorical ability; in the speech Lincoln articulated his slavery position as personally against it, accepting it where presently existed and opposing any further expansion
1864	1865-1865	Abraham Lincoln	“western” Republican – from Illinois realist politician very effective orator never held high offices (only 1 term in House; not in a cabinet, not in the Senate) Lincoln-Douglas debates, 1858 “Great debates” was for 1858 Senate election for Illinois incumbent is Democrat Stephen Douglas Douglas wins the election Lincoln wins the debates, prepares him for 1860 election Douglas argues for popular sovereignty = let people in states and territories decide for themselves Lincoln’s point * slavery wrong, but didn’t argue against ending it, only containing it to where it already existed (South) * sought to contain and not banish slavery promoted various schemes to purchase slaves and send them back to Africa in 1862 he stated: “If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that.” changed stance on slavery during the Civil War, moving towards ending slavery Inaugural address, 1861, declared that his government had “no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with slavery in the States where it exists.” In 1862 issued Emancipation Proclamation: Lincoln had already issued a ban on slavery in territories and Wash DC, which included compensating slave owners for loss of “property” DC justified it as war-time measure banned slavery in rebellion states and not in border states that were loyal to Union the Proclamation marked first significant step by federal gov to end slavery Gettysburg address, 1863 gave speech at battlefield to mark Union victory there Second Inaugural address at end of war recognized slavery as cause of the war called for reconciliation “With malice toward none; with charity for all” “to bind up the nation’s wounds” See concepts chart for more on Lincoln’s war strategies
	1865	Andrew Johnson assumes office	* border state politician Democrat Lincoln wanted a Democrat on the ballot to appeal to pro-War democrats) ruled as a border state Democrat inherits Lincoln cabinet (presidential officers, secretaries Radical Republicans run Congress and Johnson’s cabinet they object to his policies of leniency towards South * override his veto of Civil Rights Act of 1866, which gave citizenship to freedmen (this is before 14^{th</sup* Amendment)} House impeached him for firing his Secretary of War Senate failed to convict him by one vote, so he staid in office Alaska purchased from Russia, called “Seward’s Folly” (Sec. State Seward who negotiated the deal; people considered Alaska an empty territory…)
1868	1869	Ullysses S. Grant	*war hero, elected easily enforced reconstruction protected former slaves sought to destroy the Klu Klux Klan, mostly successful
1872	1873	Ullysses S. Grant	*lost popularity bc of corruption in his government Credit Mobiler scandal, 1872, rocked Grant’s administration railroad financing scheme via a French bank was used for stock sales, implicating Vice President Colfax and others in the administration. the scandal contributed to the Panic of 1873, which led to loss of public support

Gilded Age, Industrialization, Immigration

Election year	Term Start Year	President	Notes / Events/ Themes
1876	1877	Hayes	Republican, Civil War general, supporter of Reconstruction but was bound by the “Compromise of 1877” to remove troops from South, ending Reconstruction promoted “Civil Service reform,” which was to end jacksonian “spoils system” of appointing political supporters to public office (mostly Postal Service, but also others) Panic of 1873 “Great Railroad Strike of 1877” – Hayes agreed to send federal troops to squash riots and strikes at governors’ request but never used them; it followed the precedent set by Washington’s “Whiskey rebellion” interventions Hayes arbitrated a war in South America and opposed British & French actions in central America, exercising Monroe Doctrine policies Hayes and his First Lady opposed alcohol (she was known as “Lemonade Lucy”) and did not serve it at White House, thus promoting temperance movement he pledged not to run for a 2^{nd</sup term, and instead supported his successor, Garfield}
1880	1881-1881	James Garfield	* Republican, Civil War general promoted civil service reforms assassinated during his 1^{st</sup* year as President by man who claimed he had been denied a political appointment}
1881	1881-1885	Chester Arthur assumes office	* Panic of 1884 led to public discontent and election of Cleveland
1884	1885	Cleveland	only president to serve two, non-consecutive terms states right Democrat: “government that governs least governs best” campaigned as reformer, charging his Republican opponent, Blaine, with corruption Blaine lost support of Irish voters when his supporter denounced Democratic party as party of “Rum, Romanism and Rebellion” (alcohol, Catholicism and Confederacy) “Mugwumps” = Republican reformers who supported Cleveland over Blaine Cleveland signed Interstate Railroad Act, 1887, which created the “Interstate Commerce Commission” (ICC) to regulate railroad competition and “unfair practices” ICC becomes huge issue into 20^{th</sup century regarding government control over railroads and other industries}
1888	1889	Benjamin Harrison	* Republican, grandson of President William Henry Harrison reformer, enacted meat inspection law, banned lotteries (considered gambling) Sherman Anti-Trust act passed * to fight monopolies “Billion Dollar Congress” – led to opposition to Harrison’s expansion of government, led to re-election of Cleveland who opposed gov. expansion “McKinley Tariff” : raised tariffs to 50% on most goods = “protectionism” McKinley was Republican House member who would become President I 1897 Panic of 1890
1892	1893	Grover S. Cleveland	campaigned on reducing the tariff rates also as alternative to Populist party, which was surging Wilson–Gorman Tariff, 1894, reduced rates, imposed income tax on high incomes (to make up for lost revenue from lower tariffs) Supreme Court invalidated the income tax as unconstitutional, 1895 16^{th</sup Amendment in 1909 would allow for federal income tax} Panic of 1893, bank failures, unemployment, severe downturn for rest of Cleveland administration Cleveland blamed for the panic federal gold reserves were depleted, fueling demand for hard money policies
1896	1897	William McKinley Hard money (gold) advocate Attempt to support blacks in south Spanish American war: US Imperialism	*raised tariffs via Dingley Tariff of 1897 Spanish-American War, 1898 US takes Cuba, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam from Spain McKinley’s “Open Door Policy” = U.S. demand for access to Chinese market (dominated by the Europeans at this point) mixed legacy on race: McKinley visited Tuskegee Institute and Booker T. Washington (black educator and activist) but in an attempt to end “sectionalism” and appeal to southern voters by not criticizing the South, McKinley overlooked Southern actions against blacks lost key black supporters as a result
1900	1901-1901	William McKinley	*McKinley hugely popular following Span-Am war, easily reelected opponent was Wm. Jennings Bryan again, who lost support due to strong economy and war popularity McKinley shot in 1901, succeeded by VP Theodore Roosevelt

Progressive Era

Election year	Term Start Year	President	Notes / Events/ Themes
	1901	Theodore Roosevelt reformer, aggressive executive branch progressive Bully Pulpit trust busting Clean Food & Drug Act conservationist Muckrakers Panama Canal "Commissions"	*NY Republican, known as “TR” and “Teddy” assumed office after McKinley assassination (by an anarchist) became famous fighting in Cuba during Spanish-American War (1898) activist President, used the rhetorical powers of the office aggressively he called it the “bully pulpit” (bully=great or cool; pulpit= place to speak from) had love-hate relationship w/ press called investigative journalists who promoted scandals “muckrakers” a Progressive on economic issues “Trust buster” promoted regulations of food, workplace, conservationist: created National Park Service and National Forest Service liked to be seen riding horseback & hunting (thus “Teddy Roosevelt” for a bear cub sent to him) pro-tariff (but stayed away from it for political reasons) aggressive foreign policy pushed for Panama Canal promoted strong Navy, which he sent on trip around the world “The White Fleet,” as the boats were painted white) “Roosevelt Corrollary” to the Monroe Doctrine = U.S. will intervene in domestic Latin American nations if they are unstable or a threat to US security
1904	1905	Theodore Roosevelt	won landslide election, 1904 governed more as progressive during 2^{nd</sup term} promoted “commissions” to address various national issues in 1912 ran as independent candidate for the “Progressive Party” known as the “Bull Moose” party promoted agenda he called “New Nationalism” which referred to centralization of powers in federal government
1908	1909	William Howard Taft Tariff Trust busting Dollar Diplomacy	*Ohio Republican was Sec of War for Roosevelt, oversaw construction of Panama Canal more conservative than Roosevelt promoted new tariff that was widely unpopular and led to Democratic party resurgence in 1910 elections continued policies of trustbusting reformed government bureaucracies by requiring budgeting (and balanced the federal budget) foreign policy: promoted America commercial interests in Europe and Asia “Dollar diplomacy”: pursued U.S. diplomatic interests in Latin America with loans to governments Taft and Roosevelt had falling out, Roosevelt challenged Taft for 1912 Republican nomination, which Taft won; Roosevelt ran third party candidacy (Wilson won a four-way split election)
1912	1913	Woodrow Wilson progressive federal powers, regulation low tariff / income tax racist policies promises to stay out of WWI	*southern Democrat, progressive overall, Wilson promoted progressive economic agenda and led U.S. into and through WWII, but he was a poor negotiator and was very unpopular by end of his term, mostly due to extreme war measures that ruined the economy called his 1912 election agenda “New Freedom” with the idea that he would protect individual Americans from control by businesses progressive agenda: pursued stronger regulations of the economy, including workplace rules introduced the first income tax reduced tariffs segregated Federal workforce
1916	1917	Woodrow Wilson WWI suppression of dissent League of Nations (fail)	won 2^{nd</sup term promising to keep US out of WWI events moved quickly towards US entry to War, especially following: sinking of the Lusitania passenger liner (boat) by Germans (1915) Zimmerman telegram incident (German attempt to get Mexico to attack US, 1917) Wilson called for state of “preparedness” regulated the economy as US went to war in 1917 took over railroads, moved industry to war stance, set prices and wages gave power to War Industry Board to run industrial program After the War, Wilson went to Europe to negotiate peace deal and promote his “Fourteen Points” agenda for world affairs (democratic ideals such as of self-determination, but also low tariffs, peace, freedom of seas) Wilson signed “Treaty of Versailles” which created the “League of Nations” that was to uphold world peace US Senate refused to confirm the treaty because of Article X (ten) that compelled member states to protect one another in case of war}
1920	1921	Warren Harding Return to normalcy pro-business reduced taxes economic recovery	*Ohio Republican, elected on pro-business, tax reform agenda (lowered taxes) ordered government regulatory agencies to assists businesses used federal troops to put down strikes promoted anti-lynching laws (to help southern blacks) promoted farm loans Teapot Dome Scandal: the Sec of Interior took a bribe in exchange for oil lease on public lands died in office during the scandals, including a personal scandal over an affair
	1921	Calvin Coolidge “prosperity” "the business of American is business"	*New Hampshire Republican assumed office when Harding died oversaw expanding economy: “Coolidge prosperity” was 1924 campaign slogan lowered tax rates
1924	1925	Calvin Coolidge
1928	1929	Herbert Hoover Crash of ‘29	*Republican, made famous by helping feed and rebuild Europe after WWI (appointed by Woodrow Wilson as Director of U.S. Food Commission) Oct 1929 Stock Market Crash changed his presidency Signed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff which raised rates significantly and impacted international trade, furthering the economic crash Hoover at first didn’t respond to growing economic depression then started works projects (Hoover and other dams) & farm assistance programs asked Congress to create the Federal Emergency Relief Administration to provide money to banks and businesses to keep employment by 1932, the Depression had worsened and country was discontented Hoover ordered the Army to expel of the Bonus Army, impoverished WWI veterans who were protesting/squatting in DC, the move was very unpopular

FDR/ New Deal/ WWII

Election year	Term Start Year	President	Notes / Events/ Themes
1932	1933	Franklin Roosevelt Charismatic presidency Great Depression: Gave nation hope “we only have to fear fear itself” “100 days” Saved banking system “Relief” programs: interventions & assistance	NY Democrat known as FDR activist presidency: acted on crisis as opposed to the perception that Hoover did nothing (he did but not nearly as much as FDR) charismatic presidency, communicator (* like his cousin, TR) gave speech about facing Depression “The only thing we need to fear is fear itself” during presidency used radio broadcasts to communicate, which he called “fireside chats” (as if having a casual conversation) he used the “chats” to bring calm during bank panics (people rushing to take money out of the banks) biggest accomplishment was to restore American’s faith in themselves and their government, but he failed to end the Depression and arguably made it worse by limiting and over-regulating economic activity Roosevelt campaigned on relief programs but when he took office he expanded his agenda to involve the federal government in every aspect of the economy, from price controls, labor and wage controls, work hours First Hundred Days: FDR called for emergency session of Congress to enact legislation to combat the Depression, offer relief and create jobs “New Deal” = the overall program / agenda of restoring banking industry and consumer confidence in it creating jobs stabilizing economy through regulations New Deal never reduced unemployment and the Depression continued throughout the 1930s
1936	1937	FDR reelected Recession sets back agenda Supreme Court dismantle NRA – failed “court packing scheme” but Supreme Court starts more favorable rulings for economic interventions 1938/39 “war footing”	FDR’s second term economy tumbled again in 1937 “recession” Great Depression never really ended (until WWII) continued New Deal agenda, but many of the NIRA programs were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court Second New Deal: continued attempts to bring nation out of Great Depression renewed the AAA (agricultural assistance) Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938: set national 40 hr work week, minimum wage Words Progress Administration (WPA), to create jobs by employing ppl directly by federal government Court Packing: most controversial moment of this term was FDR’s threat to change the number of justices on the Supreme Court because he was angry that the Court, which he considered conservative, had blocked the NIRA and other programs while the “Court Packing” plan didn’t happen, the Court responded by allowing more New Deal laws to continue in effect by 1938 Europe was about to go to war, FDR responded by moving the nation onto a “war footing” even while publicly staying “neutral” on European issues Other FDR foreign policy: Good Neighbor Policy, 1934: continued US interventions in Latin America Reciprocal Trade Agreements Acts, 1934, allowed for negotiation of trade agreements with specific nations in order to reduce tariffs created the “most favored nation” (MFN): allowed certain countries lowest US tariff rates in late 1930s, FDR began sending war materials to future allied nations as they went to war, including China in 1937 (FDR got around the Neutrality Act by claiming that China and Japan were not at war with each other) US military build-up in weapons that could be sold or “leased” to other nations “cash and carry” (1939: scheme to support future allies in wars with Germany and Japan by selling them arms if they came to the US to pick them up Lend-Lease Act of 1941, authorized US to “loan” arms to Britain
1940	1941	FDR reelected WWII: prepared nation for war created effective, bipartisan leadership gave Americans confidence in victory	WWII starts 1941
1944	1945-1945	FDR reelected	died in office 1945
	1945	Harry Truman	*assumes FDR’s term takes over as Vice President did not know about the Manhattan Project
1948	1949	Harry Truman	relection was unexpected ("Dewey Defeats Truman" headlines) unpopular second term

Cold War to 1970s

Election year	Term Start Year	President	Notes / Events/ Themes
1952	1953	Dwight Eisenhower
1956	1957	Dwight Eisenhower
1960	1961-1963	John F. Kennedy
	1963	Lyndon B. Johnson
1964	1965	Lyndon B. Johnson
1968	1969	Richard M. Nixon
1972	1972-1973	Richard M. Nixon
	1973	Gerald Ford
1976	1977	James "Jimmy" Carter	oil crisis "malaise" deregulation (starts near end of term)

1980s to Current

Election year	Term Start Year	President	Notes / Events/ Themes
1980	1981	Ronald Reagan	inflation fighting escalation of Cold War B-2 Bomber MX Missile system SDI ("Star Wars") "Reagan Doctrine" support anti-communist movements via direct and covert aid ex. Nicaragua , El Salvador, Afghanistan military spending lower taxes deregulation
1984	1985	Ronald Reagan	Mikhail Gorbachev perestroika, glasnot outspending the Russians Berlin speech: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Reykjavík Summit Iran-Contra Affair
1988	1989	George H.W. Bush	end of Cold War breakup of Soviet Union "New World Order" Gulf War and UN mobilization
1992	1993	Bill Clinton	"new generation" first post-WWII President not to have served in military (accused of being a draft dodger)
1996	1997	Bill Clinton	"triangulation"
2000	2001	George H. Bush	Sept 11 / War on Terror "Compassionate Conservativism" education reform (No Child Left Behind)
2004	2005	George H. Bush	"The Surge" (Iraq) Great Recession starts 2008
2008	2009	Barack Obama	"ObamaCare"
2012	2013	Barack Obama
2016	2017	Donald Trump
2020	2021	Joseph Biden