American Leaders: Forty-Six Men and a Dream

By Avery P.

“Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known” (Reagan). This is a famous quote by the fortieth president of the United States, Ronald Reagan. America has been built off the backs of forty-six different leaders and many citizens. With the recently ended election, questions arise about how America came to be and how the nation got to where it is today. Leaders have both made the country great and have harmed the nation. But overall, the United States has profited off the accomplishments of American Presidents. A few that come to mind are George Washington, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. These men endured struggles such as hate, war, and attempts on their lives, yet they persevered for the sake of their country. Allowing the American dream to live on for generations to come.

George Washington was the first president of the United States. However, before this he was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. By leading his nation to victory, it proved his character worthy of respect, and America elected him as their first-ever president. As a result, the U.S had a successful start. He created the first presidential cabinet that is still in effect today. This cabinet holds the many men and women that make the country so great. In addition, his presidency set the precedent for a two term presidency (Zielinski). From the standpoint of foreign policy, Washington held peaceful relations and kept neutral in foreign affairs. He kept the American people safe and paved the way for future presidents to make their mark, and to be able to live out what is now known as the American dream (Onion et al.). When interviewed, a hundred percent of NorthStar students said that Washington was the best president out of the three in this article. When asked why, Onyi U. responded and said, “He led Americans to independence from the British, despite his army being less equipped. In the years following the war, he was able to help guide the country into an organized nation under one president. Without his skillful help, the country might have descended into chaos after gaining its independence.”

While there were many amazing leaders after Washington, John F. Kennedy stands out. Kennedy became the youngest president to be elected into office. As a senate member, he advocated for aid to African and Asian countries in need, in addition, “he surprised his colleagues by calling upon France to grant Algeria independence” (Manchester). From day one, Kennedy was interested in and concerned about foreign affairs. At one point in 1962, he ordered the dismantling of Cuban missiles. For a couple weeks, it seemed as though America were on the edge of a nuclear war, but then the Soviets announced that the weapons would be removed (Manchester). As a result, this saved America and the world from a nuclear disaster. Due to his courage, Kennedy stopped a war and saved his country. These accomplishments are what makes him a memorable leader!

Finally, the last leader is Ronald Reagan. Prior to his career in politics, Reagan was an award- winning actor. As president of the Screen Actors Guild, he became involved with speaking out against communism in hollywood. In 1966, Reagan announced his candidacy as governor of California. He served two terms as governor before deciding to run for president. On January 20, 1981, Ronald Reagan was inaugurated into the White House as the fortieth President of the United States (The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica). During his time in office, Reagan accomplished many things, such as cutting American taxes and accomplishing an agreement with the Soviets, which led to the withdrawal of Russian troops from Afghanistan (Florkowski). Lastly, his biggest accomplishment was delivering a speech in Berlin, declaring that the Berlin wall must come down. That day, the walls came down. Reagan saved countless lives by negotiating peacefully, making American life easier and safer. Zoe B. a student at NorthStar, said that Reagan was her favorite president out of the three because “Reagan's term as president was great for the economy, and the way he was able to end the Cold War was also impressive and crucial for the country and all of the world's safety.”

As America moves to a better tomorrow, its citizens should look behind and recognize where they came from. The country is what it is today because of the courageous leaders that have saved it in the past. George Washington, John F Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan are just a few pieces in the bigger puzzle. Due to their bravery, the country continues to thrive and the American dream lives on.

Avery P. lives in Tennessee with her parents and three siblings. She has been a student at NorthStar for three years. This is her second year writing for the Navigator. After high school, Avery plans to attend college and earn a degree in education.

🔎Informational, PopularEIC NSA2024-2025, January 2025 Publication