President’s Day is a peculiar American holiday where its purpose is somewhat ambiguous, yet it offers a day off work without many questions asked.
The holiday ambiguously marks Washington’s birthday on February 22, seemingly blends the birthdays of both Washington and Lincoln (Feb 22 and 12), and somewhat honors all 43 presidents simultaneously.
Seizing this opportune time, I delved into researching presidents for 60 hours and produced a 7,000-word post 30 hours late, delving into the true essence of each American president and their contributions. (Apologies to non-American readers who have to endure this.)
In contemplating where to commence, I observed the full roster of presidents and discovered that the history of the United States neatly divides into three equal parts, each lasting 75 years:
I aim to examine all 43 American presidents eventually. However, for today, it seemed fitting to embark on the initial and most tumultuous phase of US history, encompassed by the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln. This era is when the country’s boundaries, legislation, principles, and national identity were in their formative stages. Let’s term it the “Shaping the Nation Era.” During this time, significant precedents were set by the 16 presidents discussed below, molding the nation in a profound manner that surpasses the capacity of current times.
Here is a visual representation illustrating the election outcomes and the party shift over time, underscoring the heightened chaos during the Washington-Lincoln years in comparison to the remainder of US history:
Prior to diving in, here are eight general reflections from my research:
1) 17 out of the 43 presidents, accounting for 40%, had names like John, James, George, or William.
2) An Era of Mustaches. Between 1869 and 1913, nine out of the ten presidents, over a 44-year span, sported mustaches, a trend unmatched by any other presidency.
3) An Unfortunate Streak of Inadequate Presidents between 1841 and 1877.
Termed The Bad President Circus, this period covers ten presidents starting with William Henry Harrison and concluding with Ulysses S. Grant, with eight of them ranking among the ten worst presidents in history. A dismal era indeed.
4) The Curious Phenomenon of a President’s “Last Words.” I have included the last words of the following presidents whenever available. Often poetic and grand, these words were likely premeditated and carefully considered. Imagining a president on their deathbed, surrounded by family, meticulously planning the timing of their final words is quite comical. The dilemma emerges when to utter the pivotal “last words” sentence. Say it too soon, and one must maintain silence thereafter, resulting in awkwardness if prompted with a query or if one outlives the projected timing (a predicament possibly encountered by Jefferson, as you will see). Delay it too long, and one departs without articulating the intended last words. A final ambiguity for these individuals who labored ardently to shape their place in historical narratives.
Further insights on the initial 16 presidents:
6) Preoccupation with Mortality. Upon examining these 16 individuals, their families, associates, and peers, it is striking how perilous life was just two centuries ago in the US. Children had a meager chance of surviving past age five, and adults past 50 faced imminent mortality from common ailments like a cold or spoiled food, often succumbing within five days. Tragedy loomed prominently in that era.
7) Reverence for Books. Many of these early presidents predominantly attained their education from independent reading, reflecting the revolutionary impact of mass-produced books. Prior to this innovation, acquiring knowledge necessitated personal instruction. The advent of books empowered eager learners (a trait inherent in these 16 individuals) to absorb boundless insights and knowledge drawn from myriad sources. Conversely, it enabled luminaries like Abraham Lincoln to disseminate his stance on slavery to a wide readership through works like the Lincoln-Douglas debates, effectively transcending geographical limitations and propagating his views nationwide.
8) Key Tenets of the Nation’s Early History.
The aggressive and contentious expansion of US territory during the first third of the nation’s history further inflamed the nation’s most divisive and precarious issue—slavery—in the midst of deliberations on the autonomy of new territories to determine the acceptance of slavery. This accentuated the ambiguity surrounding states’ rights relative to federal authority, ultimately propelling the nation towards Civil War.
Though discussions encompassed various topics like the National Bank, tariffs, interactions with Native Americans, and foreign affairs, the bulk of the prominent issues faced by these 16 presidents seemed encapsulated within the aforementioned statement.
*A note on rankings: The presidential rankings cited for each president in the accompanying charts rely on a compilation of numerous polls conducted over an extensive period across a diverse political spectrum.
Let’s embark on this journey—
1) George Washington
Presidency: 1789–1797 Lifespan: 1732–1799 Ranking: 3/43
Slave Owner? Yes.
Profile: An epitome of male resilience, Washington lacked formal education but embodied robust prudence and sagacity. His pivotal roles in the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War culminated in him being unanimously entrusted with the nation’s initial presidency. Following the Revolutionary War, he voluntarily relinquished his military command, opting against assuming authoritarian control, an ethos he maintained during his presidential tenure. Washington’s legacy is shielded from criticism, symbolizing an untarnished figure in American history.
Presidential Term: A relatively tranquil period despite internal strife between cabinet members Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, who espoused contrasting policy frameworks. In his farewell address, Washington cautioned against partisan strife and foreign entanglements, shaping the country’s enduring nonpartisan stance and aversion to unwarranted international conflicts.
Accolades:
- Pioneering the presidency
- Conferred the moniker “The Father of Our Country”
- Instituting Washington, D.C., as the national capital
- Securing the sole election victory with 100% of electoral votes
- Elevated to a “six-star general” by Jimmy Carter posthumously, a first in US military history
- Imprinted on the quarter, one dollar bill, and Mount Rushmore
- Various honors and a state named in his honor
- Top distiller of whiskey in Virginia
Imperfections:
- Lifetime ownership of slaves, though emancipating them posthumously
Pet Peeves:
- Severe dental issues culminating in tooth loss during his presidency
- Ruffled by his disapproving and overbearing mother’s stance on the Revolution
Interesting Tidbits:
- Evidence of a playful side, excelling in dance, interior design, and fashion
- Stark height difference with Martha Washington
- Brevity in speeches, notably a 90-second inaugural address
- Known for hygiene aversion, despising baths
- Generous alcohol expenditure amounting to 7% of his salary
- Revoked handshakes as beneath presidential dignity, opting for bows instead
- Estate valued at $1 million at the time of his passing
Last Words: “Tis well.” Washington’s nonchalant demeanor transcended a trivial concern for last words.
2) John Adams
Presidency: 1797–1801 Lifespan: 1735–1826 Ranking: 12/43
Slave Owner? No.
Profile: A compact and erudite intellectual, Adams played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s founding policies, notably contributing to the Massachusetts Constitution and serving on the committee drafting the Declaration of Independence. Despite profound political insights, Adams struggled with acceptance by other founding figures, enduring perennial frustration stemming from his exclusion from the inner circle of influential peers.
Presidential Term: Adams’ presidency was marked by successes like averting conflict with France despite mounting pressures for military action. However, he grappled with incessant discord from both Hamilton and Jefferson, resulting in scant support from either major political faction and an isolated single-term presidency, aligning with his son as the only two singled-term presidents within the country’s initial five decades.
Accolades:
- First vice president
- Inaugural resident of the White House
- Anti-slavery stance pre-Civil War
- Navy establishment
- Introduction of fireworks tradition on the Fourth of July
- Fluency in seven languages
Imperfections:
- Passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts restricting criticism against the government, driven by personal dissatisfaction
Pet Peeves:
- Following George Washington’s legacy
- Subsequent obscurity on national currency and monuments
- Derogatory moniker “His Rotundity” stemming from his physique
Interesting Tidbits:
- Formed enduring friendship and correspondence with Thomas Jefferson post-presidency
- Simultaneous demise with Jefferson on July 4, 1826, the country’s 50th anniversary
Last Words: “Thomas Jefferson survives.” An awkward reference to another president during one’s final moments.
3) Thomas Jefferson
Presidency: 1801–1809 Lifespan: 1743–1826 Ranking: 4/43
Slave Owner? Pretty evident.
Profile: Jefferson epitomized the Virginia gentry, exuding intellectuality and elitism, accentuated by diverse accomplishments across politics, sciences, and inventions. An influential contributor to the nation’s foundation, he authored the Declaration of Independence and influenced successors like Madison and Monroe with his governing philosophy.
Presidential Term: Jefferson’s tenure witnessed resounding achievements, including the ban on slave imports and the illustrious Louisiana Purchase, a watershed event securing vast territories from France at a nominal cost, a hallmark of his presidency.
Accolades:
- Drafting the Declaration of Independence in his early 30s
- Inclusion on the nickel and Mount Rushmore
- Establishing the University of Virginia
Imperfections:
- Owning numerous slaves with no intentions of emancipating them
- Disconcerting relations with slave Sally Hemmings, a situation marred by dubious familial ties
Pet Peeves:
- Spousal commitment hindering remarriage post-demise
- Romantic rejection by his prior engagement, Rebecca Burwell
- Resentment over the alterations in the Declaration of Independence by Congress
Interesting Tidbits:
- Strained ties with Washington following policy disagreements
- Aversion to public speaking, limiting it to just two speeches during his presidency
- Pioneering introduction of European cuisines to the US, birthing culinary staples like ice cream and macaroni and cheese
- Collection of an array of unconventional pets
Last Words: “Is it the fourth yet?” Initially planned last words sidelined for a quirky remark upon unanticipated reawakening moments prior to his passing.
4) Alexander Hamilton
Hold on, he wasn’t a president, so let go of that misconception.
4) James Madison
Presidency: 1809–1816 Lifespan: 1751–1836 Ranking: 13/43
Slave Owner? Affirmative. Possessed hundreds.
Profile: Standing at a diminutive 5’4″ and under 100 pounds, Madison epitomizes the quintessential pixie president. His seminal contributions preceded his presidency, earning him the epithet “Father of the Constitution” for his integral role in the Constitution and Bill of Rights drafting. Additionally, as one of the authors of The Federalist Papers, he spearheaded advocacy for the new Constitution’s ratification.
Presidential Term: Madison’s presidency initially mirrored Jefferson’s policies before being ensnared in the grueling War of 1812 against Britain, ending in defeat (subject to debate with claims of it being a tie). Opinions on the conflict vary, hinging on perceptions of the US’s alleged aspirations to annex Canada, subsequently influencing the war’s outcome.
Accolades:
- Maintaining sub-100 pounds weight mark as an adult
- Serving as Thomas Jefferson’s Secretary of State
What do you think?
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