As a young man, George Washington proved his worth on the field of battle during the French and Indian War. When the Revolutionary War began, he was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. After six long years of battle, America won her independence from Britain, and Washington was unanimously chosen to lead the new nation.
John Adams was the second president of the United States, having earlier served as the vice president of the United States. An American Founding Father, Adams was a statesman, diploma, and a leading advocate of American Independence from Great Britain.
Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States (1801 - 1809), author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and one of the most influential founders of the United States. Major events during his presidency include the Louisiana Purchase (1803), the Embargo Act of 1807, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804 - 1806).
James Madison, the United States of America's 4th president, was a Founding Father from Virginia as well as a proponent of Federalism who was hailed as "The Father of the Constitution". He was also President during the tumultuous years of a second was with Britain during the War of 1812.
James Monroe, the United States's 5th President, was the last President from the Founding Fathers generation and the last elected under the First Party System. Elected after the end of the War of 1812, Monroe presided over "The Era of Good Feeling", oversaw much expansion and consolidation of the territory and instituted the Monroe Doctrine to protect the new democracies of the Americas' from European conquest.
John Quincy Adams, the United States's 6th president, was the son of our second president and Founding Father, John Adams. Elected in 1824, he presided over an era of realitive peace, prosperity and expansion, particularly in the development of America's transportation system.
Andrew Jackson, the United States of America's 7th President, rode his name as a hero of the War of 1812 all the way to the White House, but has harsh treatment of Native Americans, initiation of the political "Spoils System" and dismantling of the National Bank, have made him a very controversial figure in American history.
Martin Van Buren, the United States's 8th President, was an astute political operator but his term was married by his predecessor's (Andrew Jackson), radical economic policies, which resulted in a severe depression known as the Panic of 1837.
William Henry Harrison, the United States of America's 9th President, has the unfortunate distinction of serving for a short time. After a distinguished military career, Harrison became the first President to die in office after serving only 32 days.
John Taylor, the United States of America's 10th President, assumed the presidency after the sudden death of the very popular William Henry Harrison. Though ridiculed as "His Accidency" by opponents, Taylor successfully expanded the Republic through the annexation of Texas.