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

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 president. A Democrat, he previously 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. Obama's legacy includes his efforts to address climate change and promote international cooperation.

Sections (7)

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

1965: Medicare and Medicaid Passage

In 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were passed. These serve as a comparison point for the significance of the Affordable Care Act passed during Obama's presidency.

1996: Church Arson Prevention Act

In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Church Arson Prevention Act. This act is referenced as the most recent addition to hate crime law prior to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act signed by Obama.

2008: Obama's Effective 2008 Campaign

In 2008, Barack Obama's campaign was highlighted as one of the most effective in American history. He was also considered one of the most talented political orators of the 21st century. Historian Julian Zelizer credits Obama with a keen understanding of government institutions and policy design. Obama's policy successes included the economic stimulus package, Dodd-Frank reforms, and the Affordable Care Act.

2009: The Origin of "Thanks, Obama"

In 2009, the saying "thanks, Obama" first appeared in a Twitter hashtag, "#thanks Obama", and was later used in a demotivational poster. It was later adopted satirically to blame Obama for any socio-economic ills.

March 23, 2010: Obama signs the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, colloquially "Obamacare") into law.

2010: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Signed

In 2010, Obama signed into effect the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in response to the 2008 financial crisis. It brought the most significant changes to financial regulation in the United States since the regulatory reform that followed the Great Depression under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

2010: Maximum out-of-pocket payment for annual premiums

In 2010, for people making up to 400 percent of the FPL ($88,000 for family of four in 2010) their maximum "out-of-pocket" payment for annual premiums will be from 2 percent to 9.5 percent of income, according to White House and CBO figures.

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.

2014: Obama Discusses Racial Disadvantages

By 2014, Obama began openly discussing the disadvantages faced by many members of minority groups.

2014: ACA provisions take effect

In 2014, most of the health-related provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect, including expanding Medicaid eligibility and subsidizing insurance premiums.

June 2015: Supreme Court upholds ACA subsidies

In June 2015, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in King v. Burwell that subsidies to help individuals and families purchase health insurance were authorized for those doing so on both the federal exchange and state exchanges.

2015: Brookings Institution Survey Ranking

In 2015, the Brookings Institution ranked 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 Said More Could Have Been Done in Libya

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".

January 2017: Obama Leaves Office with 60% Approval Rating

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

2017: Obama left office

In 2017, Barack Obama left office with high approval ratings both within the United States and among foreign advisories.

2018: Gallup Job Approval Poll

In 2018, Gallup's job approval poll showed Obama received a 63 percent approval rating.

2018: Gallup Poll Shows 63% Approval Rating

In 2018, a Gallup retrospective approval poll of former presidents showed that Obama garnered a 63 percent approval rating.

2023: Gallup Poll Shows 63% Approval Rating Again

In 2023, a Gallup retrospective approval poll of former presidents showed that Obama garnered a 63 percent approval rating again, ranking him the fourth most popular president since World War II.