The Presidents of the United States: Legacies that Endure

Since the foundation of the United States as an independent nation in 1776, 43 presidents have led what is currently considered the most powerful nation on the planet. Throughout history, the vision, government agenda, internal and external leadership are some of the traits that historians consider when analyzing the work of a president. In this regard, Dr. Iwan Morgan, a specialist in U.S. history at University College London, and Dr. David C. Eisenbach, an expert in presidential history at Columbia University, have offered their perspective on who have been the best and worst presidents in the country's history. Roosevelt, a Democratic president, is considered by many as the greatest president in U.S. history, standing out for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II. His implementation of the "New Deal" and his role in the alliance between the United Kingdom, the USSR, and the U.S. during the war have earned him this recognition. On the other hand, Abraham Lincoln, a Republican president, was instrumental in preserving the country's union during the Civil War, a critical moment in American history. George Washington, one of the founding fathers and the first president of the United States, established the tradition of limiting the presidency to two four-year terms, as well as promoting the creation of the National Bank as an economic pillar. In contrast, Andrew Johnson is singled out as one of the worst presidents due to his racist views and obstruction of African American rights. James Buchanan, for his lack of determination to prevent the secession of South Carolina, and John Tyler, for his support of the Confederate cause, also appear on the list of presidents with negative legacies. Harry S. Truman and Ronald Reagan are presidents who generate divided opinions among historians. Truman is recognized for preserving the New Deal legacy and his commitment to civil rights, although his decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is controversial. On the other hand, Reagan is criticized for his support of various armed movements and his role in international conflicts. In the case of Barack Obama, the first African American president, his administration is positively evaluated for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as for making economic adjustments to counter the 2009 financial crisis. However, he is criticized for not imposing sufficient penalties on those responsible for the crisis. According to historians, it will still be necessary to wait a few more years to fully assess Obama's legacy. In summary, the presidential history of the United States is marked by figures who have left an indelible mark on the country, both for their achievements and their mistakes. The work of these leaders has been fundamental in the construction and evolution of the nation, and their legacy will endure in the collective memory of American society.