From George Washington’s guidance of the United States as its first president, to Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, and George W. Bush’s war on terrorism, each president has faced unique circumstances and made impactful choices that have shaped the nation.
This companion to The World Book Encyclopedia 2026 offers a comprehensive exploration of these leaders’ lives, delving into their personal and political journeys and revealing the complexities of their presidencies, as well as their enduring impact on American society.