History of the U.S. Presidents and Elections

The Road to the White House

Go back in time to relive some of the most iconic moments in American Presidential Elections History with our easy-to-understand guide.

John F. Kennedy becomes the youngest person ever to be elected as U.S. President. This was also the first time the presidential candidates debated on live television. Many credited JFK's win to his ability to project his charm and personality through the televised debates.

November

The year 1960 was the first time presidential candidates debated on live television. See more November history here.

The Bill of Rights becomes law. The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution give these fundamental rights to all United States citizens:

December

The Bill of Rights became law in December 1791, granting fundamental rights to all Americans. See more December history here.

President George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address. President Washington gave a brief outline of his policies designed by Alexander Hamilton.

January

President George Washington delivered his first State of the Union in 1790. See more January history here.

The 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which provides women voting rights, is unanimously declared constitutional by the eight members of the U.S. Supreme Court.

February

American women got their right to vote in 1922. See more February history here.

Franklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated today as the 32nd President of the United States. It was during his address that he gave one of his famous quotes, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

March

In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his famous speech “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” See more March history here.

President John F. Kennedy throws the first ceremonial pitch at the newly constructed "D.C. Stadium" in Washington, DC.

April

President John F. Kennedy threw the first ceremonial pitch at the newly constructed “D.C. Stadium” in 1962. See more April history here.

Victoria Woodhull became the first woman to run for President in 1872. She was nominated by the Equal Rights Party.

May

In 1872, Victoria Woodhull became the first woman to run for President. See more May history here.

In 1777, the Continental Congress adopts the “stars and stripes” as their flag. In the resolution, it stated that “the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” June 14 is known as Flag Day in the U.S.

June

In 1777, the Continental Congress adopts the “stars and stripes” as their flag. In the resolution, it stated that “the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” June 14 is known as Flag Day in the U.S. See more June history here.

In 1776, U.S. declared independence. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims the independence of the United States of America from Great Britain and its king.

July

In 1776, U.S. declared independence. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims the independence of the United States of America from Great Britain and its king. See more July history here.

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act, which guaranteed an income for the unemployed and retirees.

August

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act, which guaranteed an income for the unemployed and retirees. See more August history here.

In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson gave a speech before Congress in support of guaranteeing women the right to vote. The House of Representatives had approved a 19th constitutional amendment giving women suffrage.

September

In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson gave a speech before Congress in support of guaranteeing women the right to vote. The House of Representatives had approved a 19th constitutional amendment giving women suffrage. See more September history here.

The cornerstone was laid for a presidential residence in the newly designated capital city of Washington. In 1800, President John Adams became the first president to reside in the executive mansion, which soon became known as the “White House”.

October

The cornerstone was laid for a presidential residence in the newly designated capital city of Washington. In 1800, President John Adams became the first president to reside in the executive mansion, which soon became known as the “White House”.