Lasting Legacy of Barack Obama: A Look at the Influence on History

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 28, 2026

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Barack Obama across different fields.

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 for Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency was marked by the Affordable Care Act, the end of the Iraq War, and the killing of Osama bin Laden. He faced challenges including the Great Recession and political polarization. Prior to his political career, Obama was a community organizer and civil rights attorney. His background and rise to the presidency made him a symbol of hope and change for many.

Sections (7)

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

February 2009: Obama Rated Most Respected World Leader

In a February 2009 poll conducted in Western Europe and the U.S. by Harris Interactive, Obama was recognized as the most respected and powerful world leader.

May 2009: Obama Rated Most Popular World Leader

In a May 2009 Harris poll, Obama was recognized as the most popular world leader and the figure on whom most people pinned their hopes for global economic recovery.

March 23, 2010: Signing of the Affordable Care Act

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law.

December 2013: Addressing Income Inequality and Trade

In December 2013, President Obama declared growing income inequality a "defining challenge of our time" and called on Congress to bolster the safety net and raise wages. He urged Congress to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

2015: Brookings Institution Survey

In 2015, the Brookings Institution survey ranked Barack Obama as the 18th-greatest American president.

December 2016: Permanent Ban on Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling

In December 2016, President Obama permanently banned new offshore oil and gas drilling in most United States-owned waters in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans using the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Act.

2016: Obama reflects on Libya intervention

In 2016 Obama said "Our coalition could have and should have done more to fill a vacuum left behind" and that it was "a mess". He has stated that the lack of preparation surrounding the days following the government's overthrow was the "worst mistake" of his presidency.

January 2017: Obama leaves office with a 60 percent approval rating

In January 2017, Obama left office with a 60 percent approval rating.

2018: Gallup job approval poll

In 2018 Gallup's job approval poll for the past 10 U.S. presidents, Barack Obama received a 63 percent approval rating.

2018: Obama's Retrospective Approval Rating

In 2018, Gallup's retrospective approval polls of former presidents indicated that Obama garnered a 63 percent approval rating, ranking him among the most popular presidents since World War II.

2021: Presidential Library Construction Begins

In 2021, construction began on Barack Obama's presidential library in the South Side of Chicago.

2023: Obama's Continued High Approval Rating

In 2023, Gallup's retrospective approval polls indicated Obama again garnered a 63 percent approval rating, maintaining his position as one of the most popular presidents since World War II.