People
Historical Figures and Influential People in History
Explore rulers, generals, thinkers, scientists and reformers who shaped world history. Search for a specific person, or browse by era, region, country and A–Z.
Historical Figures from United States
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5 results
George H. W. Bush
1924–2018Modern History
He oversaw the end of the Cold War, assembled a global coalition to win a war in the Gulf, and then lost his re-election campaign to a man from a small town in Arkansas.
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George W. Bush
1946–?Modern History
He came to office promising a humble foreign policy, then responded to the worst attack on American soil in history with two wars that are still unresolved decades later.
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George Washington
1732–1799Early Modern Era
He was asked to become king and said no — a decision so unusual in the history of military victors that people are still talking about it.
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Gerald Ford
1913–2006Modern History
He was never elected president or vice president, reached both offices through appointment, and spent his single term trying to rebuild a government the public had stopped trusting.
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Grover Cleveland
1837–1908Industrial Age
He won the presidency, lost it, and won it again four years later — the only president ever to serve two non-consecutive terms until the twenty-first century.
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