Bill Clinton is an American politician from Arkansas who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first baby-boomer generation President.
During his presidency, the U.S. enjoyed more peace and economic well-being than at any time in its history. Clinton could point to the lowest unemployment rate in modern times, the lowest inflation in 30 years, the highest home ownership in the country’s history, dropping crime rates, and reduced welfare rolls. He proposed the first balanced budget in decades and achieved a budget surplus. As part of a plan to celebrate the millennium in 2000, Clinton called for a great national initiative to end racial discrimination.
Clinton was born on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas. He graduated from Georgetown University and received a law degree from Yale University. He entered politics in Arkansas, serving as the state’s Attorney General and later as Governor. In 1992, he was elected as the 42nd President of the United States, defeating incumbent George Bush and third-party candidate Ross Perot.
During his presidency, Clinton appointed a number of women and minorities to top government posts, including Janet Reno, the first female U.S. Attorney General, and Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State. He also enacted a variety of domestic legislation, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Violence Against Women Act, and key bills pertaining to crime, gun violence, education, the environment, and welfare reform.
In 1998, Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives on charges related to a sexual relationship he had with a White House intern. However, he was acquitted by the Senate. Following his presidency, Clinton remained active in public life, advocating for issues such as global peacekeeping, international trade, and the fight against drug trafficking.
The Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, preserves the documents and artifacts of Clinton’s presidency. The museum features exhibits, special events, and educational programs, including replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room.
