The Presidents - Simplified on Twitter (Part I)

In 2018/2019, I tweeted short stories of the 46 presidents on Twitter, using only 280 characters. This mini project was exciting yet had challenges since it was often difficult to decide what should be put in the tweets. As a historian who studies the past, I have approached each president with a neutral stance, neither positive nor negative, just factual. For each president, I have attempted to highlight at least one accomplishment and one event that happened during their time in office, as well as examine the legacy they left behind in the history books. The tweets are accompanied by the presidents' official portraits, found in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. (I had the opportunity to photograph all the portraits when I visited D.C. in March). The tweets are found on my Twitter (@joshuavchanin), and it is my hope that teachers and students use these short stories to become familiar with the personalities that have inhabited the White House. I will be splitting the vignettes into chapters, starting with a crew of inaugural office-holders who came from powerful backgrounds, created historic precedents with a hint of aristocracy, and led the country through its early days after the American Revolution.

‘The Presidents- Simplified on Twitter’

George Washington– Our nation’s savior, Founding Father, and first president. In 2 terms, he established the first cabinet, restored faith in government, and kept the young nation out of other wars. A strong & collected leader, his love for the military can never be overshadowed. (November 28, 2018)

G. Washington, 1789-1797

John Adams– first vice-president, second president, and a fine diplomat. Before the Revolution, he defended the honor of the Boston Massacre British soldiers. After the war, he negotiated a peace treaty with Britain’s George III. And when president, he kept the peace with France. (November 29, 2018)

J. Adams, 1797-1801

Thomas Jefferson– Man of many accomplishments: 3rd president, writer of the Declaration of Independence, and founder of the Uni of Virginia. He took patriotism to new heights, expanding state gov. control and landmass of the U.S. (LA Purchase). And let’s not forget his philosophy... (November 30, 2018) 

T. Jefferson, 1801-1809

James Madison– 4th president and the ‘Father of the Constitution.’ As a persuasive writer, he was author of the Articles of Confederation and The Federalist Papers. Although short in height, Madison’s ambitions were bold, as he strengthened the military (1812) & national bank. (December 1, 2018)

J. Madison, 1809-1817

James Monroe– Revolutionary veteran, expansionist, and 5th president. He ushered in Era of Good Feelings, faced little opposition, and enjoyed peace in Congress. Monroe was a successful diplomat, with success on coast to coast control (1818 Oregon). Monroe also supported free slaves. (December 2, 2018) 

J. Monroe, 1817-1825

John Quincy Adams– 6th president, Monroe’s secretary of state, MA Senator and minister to Russia & Netherlands. The most qualified man to be president, however, he is overshadowed by his successor, A Jackson. After a controversial 1824 election, Adams floundered w/ party support. (December 3, 2018)

J.Q. Adams, 1825-1829