Challenges in the Life of Barack Obama in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Barack Obama. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President (2009-2017), was the first African-American to hold the office. A Democrat, he served as a U.S. Senator representing Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency was marked by significant policy changes and historical milestones, solidifying his place as a notable figure in American history.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2001: Gallup Poll on Race Relations

The Gallup poll in March 2016 reflected higher concern for race relations in the US than any previous Gallup poll since 2001.

2007: Start of Financial Crisis

In 2007, the financial crisis began which Obama's administration would later address with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

2007: Financial Crisis Begins

The financial crisis of 2007–2008 began, leading to the Great Recession and influencing Obama's policy decisions, eventually leading to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

2008: Height of Financial Crisis

In 2008, the financial crisis reached its peak, requiring intervention from the Obama administration.

2008: Financial Crisis continues

The financial crisis of 2007–2008 continued, leading to the Great Recession and influencing Obama's policy decisions, eventually leading to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

2009: Unemployment Rate Rose

In 2009, the unemployment rate rose, reaching a peak in October at 10.0 percent and averaging 10.0 percent in the fourth quarter.

April 2010: Survey Shows Conflicting Views on Stimulus Impact

Although an April 2010 survey of members of the National Association for Business Economics showed an increase in job creation (over a similar January survey) for the first time in two years, 73 percent of 68 respondents believed the stimulus bill has had no impact on employment.

April 20, 2010: Explosion at Macondo Prospect and Oil Leak

On April 20, 2010, an explosion destroyed an offshore drilling rig at the Macondo Prospect in the Gulf of Mexico, causing a major sustained oil leak. Obama visited the Gulf, announced a federal investigation, and formed a bipartisan commission to recommend new safety standards.

July 2010: Federal Reserve Notes Slowing Economic Activity

In July 2010, the Federal Reserve noted that economic activity continued to increase, but its pace had slowed, and chairman Ben Bernanke said the economic outlook was "unusually uncertain".

February 2011: Protests Begin in Libya

In February 2011, protests began in Libya against long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi as part of the Arab Spring. These protests soon turned violent.

August 2, 2011: Obama Signs Bipartisan Budget Control Act

On August 2, 2011, President Obama signed the bipartisan Budget Control Act of 2011, which enforced limits on discretionary spending until 2021, established a procedure to increase the debt limit, and created a Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to propose further deficit reduction. The Act aimed to prevent a U.S. government default on its obligations.

2011: Withdrawal from Iraq

In 2011, The United States withdrew troops from Iraq. Subsequently, Obama ordered military intervention in Iraq in response to gains made by ISIL following the withdrawal.

June 28, 2012: Supreme Court Upholds ACA Mandate

On June 28, 2012, the Supreme Court ruled by a 5–4 vote in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius that the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was constitutional under the U.S. Congress's taxing authority.

December 2013: Obama Addresses Income Inequality

In December 2013, President Obama declared that growing income inequality is a "defining challenge of our time" and called on Congress to bolster the safety net and raise wages. Obama also urged Congress to ratify a 12-nation free trade pact called the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

2014: Russia's invasion of Crimea

In 2014, Russia invaded Crimea.

February 24, 2015: Obama Vetoes Keystone XL Pipeline Bill

On February 24, 2015, President Obama vetoed a bill that would have authorized the Keystone XL pipeline. It was the third veto of Obama's presidency and his first major veto.

2015: Russia's military intervention in Syria

In 2015, Russia had military intervention in Syria.

March 2016: Gallup Poll on Race Relations

In a March 2016 Gallup poll, nearly one third of Americans said they worried "a great deal" about race relations.

September 2016: Snubbed by Xi Jinping at G20 Summit

In September 2016, President Obama was snubbed by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party upon arrival at Hangzhou International Airport for the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit, receiving no red carpet welcome.

2016: Obama on the Libyan Intervention

In 2016, President Obama said, "Our coalition could have and should have done more to fill a vacuum left behind" in Libya. He also stated that the lack of preparation following the government's overthrow was the "worst mistake" of his presidency.