Bill Clinton

The Encyclopedia of Presidents offers authoritative biographies of each president since 1789, when George Washington was first sworn in. The stories of these key figures and historic events paint a full and lively picture of our nation. Each biography includes color illustrations, a timeline, boxed features on events and people of special interest, and lively text introducing the featured president and the times in which he lived. Bill Clinton was the first Democrat elected to two full terms since Franklin Roosevelt. As governor of Arkansas, Clinton helped improve education and the economy in his state. In 1992, Clinton won the Democratic presidential nomination and defeated President George Bush. His most ambitious initiative, to create universal health care, was defeated early in his term, but he succeeded in taking steps to encourage the growth of the economy. In 1994 conservative Republicans gained majorities in Congress, but Clinton's popularity remained high, and he was re-elected in 1996. Although the economy remained strong, Clinton faced questions about his financial dealings in Arkansas and his personal behavior. When he was forced to admit an improper relationship with a White House intern, the Republican-controlled House voted to impeach him for lying about the matter. Clinton was acquitted of the charges, but his actions reduced his popularity and effectiveness.