Who Was the Most Successful President of the United States?

Who Was the Most Influential?

Historians agree that among those who held the office of the President of the United States, a few stand out as the most influential. They successfully navigated internal crises and international conflicts, leaving a lasting legacy.

Read this article to find out which former presidents are loved and disliked in America.

The Most Beloved President in America

George Washington

George Washington was the first President of the United States. Born on February 22, 1732, he was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Washington was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and was unanimously elected as the first president in 1788.

During his two terms in office, Washington established many traditions still followed today. Deeply concerned that the presidency should not be seen as a monarchical position, he insisted on being addressed as "Mr. President" rather than "Your Excellency."

During Washington's presidency, federal spending rules were established, relations with former enemy Great Britain were normalized, and the foundation for the future capital, which was named after him, was laid. Notably, Washington was one of the tallest presidents in U.S. history.

Equally Significant Leaders

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Born on April 13, 1743, he was the third President of the United States and the nation's first Secretary of State.

As president, he orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the country and laid the groundwork for westward expansion. During Jefferson's administration, the United States also fought its first foreign war, known as the First Barbary War in the Mediterranean, and briefly invaded modern-day Libya. During his second term, Jefferson's vice president, Aaron Burr, was tried for treason.

Beyond politics, Jefferson had interests in science, architecture, religion, and philosophy. He was a polymath, fluent in five foreign languages. Historians consider him one of the greatest U.S. presidents of all time. Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and arguably the most renowned. Born on February 12, 1809, Lincoln led the nation during its greatest moral and military crisis, the Civil War. He played a crucial role in reforms such as the abolition of slavery, the modernization of the economy, and the strengthening of the national government.

Lincoln was born into a poor family and was largely self-educated. He also served as a member of the House of Representatives in the 1840s. Scholars, academics, and the public have consistently regarded Lincoln as the greatest U.S. president.

Lincoln did not live to see the nation fully reunited. He was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in Washington, just weeks before the official end of the Civil War. Lincoln served as president until his assassination on April 15, 1865.

The Impact of Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States. He served during World War II and held office from 1933 to 1945. He is remembered as the president who managed the country through the Great Depression and opposed Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. When Roosevelt took office, the economy was already in shambles. The mismanagement by Herbert Hoover during the early years of the Great Depression left a mess that needed to be addressed.

Federal programs from the Depression era, such as Social Security, established during Roosevelt's presidency, still exist, providing basic financial protection to the most vulnerable populations.

As a result of World War II, the United States took on a new prominent role in world affairs, a position it still holds. Franklin was a central figure in the 20th century, leading the country through years of economic turmoil and global conflict.

We Will Go to the Moon

John F. Kennedy

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, born on May 29, 1917, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. Initially, Kennedy served as the commander of motor torpedo boats during World War II in the South Pacific. Following the death of his brother and with the support of his father, he entered politics.

John F. Kennedy was president for less than three years before he was tragically assassinated while in office. However, most Americans fondly remember him as the president who inspired them to aim for the moon.

Historians also note that Kennedy advocated for reducing personal and corporate income taxes and generally promoted policies to stimulate economic growth. Kennedy believed that lower tax rates would paradoxically lead to higher tax revenues due to increased overall economic activity.

The Worst American Presidents

American Butler has also prepared a top 5 list of the worst U.S. presidents.

1. 01.George W. Bush
   Known for 9/11, the early days of the Great Recession, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and Hurricane Katrina, all of which Bush struggled to handle effectively.
2. 02.Franklin Pierce
   Known for policies that accelerated the Civil War.
3. 03.Warren G. Harding
   Known for being embroiled in numerous administrative scandals, many of which resulted from the corrupt and incompetent political allies he appointed.
4. 04.James Buchanan
   A Northerner with Southern sympathies, Buchanan tried to maintain peace between the Northern and Southern states but ended up angering both sides. He is also the only president to remain a lifelong bachelor.
5. 05.Andrew Johnson
   Impeached for dismissing his Secretary of War. His administration was plagued by divisions caused by post-Civil War reconstruction efforts.