How were presidents involved in the EVENTS that shaped the nation? Explore these pages and discover how the chief executives impacted the course of American history.

1803
The Louisiana Purchase

1838-1839
The Trail of Tears

1850
The Fugitive Slave Law

1863
Gettysburg Address &
Emancipation Proclamation

1933
18th Amendment Repealed

1960
First Televised Presidential
Debate

1964
Civil Rights Act

1991
Persian Gulf