The American president is the most powerful and influential political leader in the world. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, head of state and head of government, a handful of men have been elected to this exalted position. Some rose to the challenge of office, carving out pivotal and pioneering roles in charting the progress of the social, economic, political and geographical history of North America. Others disappeared quietly from public life, unremarkable in office, or presiding in peaceful times. This visual directory of the early presidents of America looks at the roll call of the first men voted into high office. Their social backgrounds, education, military or legal training and career path to the presidency are presented along with an insightful analysis of the success each made of the role as statesman and politician. Each presidency is presented within the context of national and international tensions, wars and social developments, as well as the expansion of America westward: George Washington was the first president and a founding father of the American constitution; Thomas Jefferson was the author of the Declaration of Independence and responsible for the Louisiana Purchase; and Abraham Lincoln's tenure was inextricably bound up with the Civil War. Illustrated with over 225 stunning archive photographs and paintings, this fascinating and accessible volume explores the formation of the United States and the political leaders who helped to steer a course through a century of domestic and international history.