Books in Pivotal Presidents: Profiles in Leadership series

Lyndon B. Johnson, thrust unexpectedly into the presidency following John F. Kennedys assassination, ushered in a new wave of civil rights and launched a war against poverty. Though his experience as Senate majority leader helped ensure the passage of much of his domestic agenda, his administration was soon hampered by the ongoing war in Vietnam. By 1968, with the country embroiled in race riots as well as antiwar protests, Johnson declined to run for a second full term. This biography explores how a son of Texas pioneers became a bold champion of civil rights and embattled commander in chief.

After a military career that established him as one of the most successful commanders ever, Dwight D. Eisenhower served two terms as president, during which the United States experienced the greatest prosperity in its history to that time. As president, Eisenhower ended the Korean War, grappled with anticommunism investigations, established NASA, defended school desegregation by protecting black students in Little Rock, Arkansas, and toured around the world to address Cold War issues. Readers will also gain insight into Eisenhowers childhood and military career, including his impressive invasions of North Africa, Italy, and France during World War II.

The seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson is often remembered for his firsts; he was the first leader from west of the Appalachians and the first to win office by directly appealing to the American people, rather than relying on association with a political party. A military hero during the War of 1812, Jackson brought the same determination and strength of character he showed on the battlefield to the presidency. Lively text recounts the life and presidency of this complexand contentiousfigure in American history.

During Franklin D. Roosevelts twelve years as U.S. president, most people loved him, but many thought he was destroying the country and their way of life. Roosevelt became president in 1933, in the midst of a global business depression. Millions of people had no work or money. He created jobs and helped those who needed help, but to accomplish this he had to change the government's part in national life. He ably led America during World War II and played the principal part in starting the United Nations. Some of his methods may be questioned but his goals were admirable.

Sweeping into the office of U.S. president with his mesmerizing oratory of hope and change, Barack Obama forever transformed American politics. As the first African American to hold the title, his election represented a historic milestone, both socially and politically. The 44th presidents remarkable journey from Hawaii and Indonesia to Chicago and the White House is chronicled, and the major issuesincluding the financial crisis, healthcare, and foreign policythat his administration has faced are examined.

A brief survey of the men who have held the office of U.S. president reveals an array of personalities, each with his own strengths and weaknesses. Despite their differences, each is remembered for his accomplishments and defining leadership. In this engaging series, the early, political, and private lives of seven key presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln, Kennedy, Reagan, and Obama—are presented. • Sidebars call out notable individuals, events, and concepts • Glossaries explain key terms and ideas • Relevant websites and organizations are included in each volume for further reference