The First US Presidents
Have you ever wondered who were the first US presidents? You may have heard of the names George Washington, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and Lyndon B. Johnson. However, you may not know who was on the other side of the photograph. This article explains who they were and why they were so important. You’ll also learn about Grover Cleveland and William McKinley. In this article you’ll learn about each of their achievements.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Born in Stonewall, Texas, in August 1908, Lyndon B. Johnson grew up in a middle-class family and was very active in high school politics and student government. After high school, he became a teacher at the local high school and later ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to the Senate in 1948 and served as a senator. In 1950, he was appointed Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves, and was deployed to the Southwest Pacific during World War II. During this time, he stepped up to run for the Democratic nomination in 1960, and was chosen to run as John F. Kennedy’s running mate.
During Johnson’s presidency, America was enjoying a relatively good economy, low unemployment, and no major world controversies. As a result, Lyndon Johnson’s focus on domestic policy and the Vietnam War after 1966 led to considerable criticism of his policies. However, he was largely successful in addressing the issues that the country was facing, and has remained an important figure in American history.
Grover Cleveland
As the twenty-second and twenty-fourth president of the United States, Grover Cleveland served from 1885 to 1897. He was the first Democrat elected to the office following the end of the Civil War. Born in upstate New York, he was known for his single-minded focus and determination. In 1885, he was the Democratic Party’s nominee for president. During his presidency, he made many firsts in the American political landscape.
After the death of his minister father, the family moved out west to Buffalo, New York, where he stayed with an uncle. Later, he was hired as an assistant teacher at the New York Institute for the Blind. Eventually, he left home to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. He was a legal clerk for a law firm in Buffalo and was eventually promoted to the position of assistant district attorney in the county.
William McKinley
The 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, served from 1897 to 1901. The president’s legacy can be traced to the 1897 Chicago World’s Fair. McKinley was a popular figure and was widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history. Here are a few facts about him. Read on to discover the most interesting facts about McKinley.
Born in Ohio, William McKinley attended a local college before joining the Union army. He earned a brevet major of volunteers before leaving for Ohio, where he settled. In 1871, he married Ida Saxton, the daughter of a wealthy Canton banker. Their marriage was short-lived because of the Civil War, and McKinley’s wife suffered a loss early in life. She later became a chronic invalid. Despite this, he catered his wife throughout his political career, winning her admiration and respect for his devotion.
