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 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

1928: Calvin Coolidge visits Cuba

In March 2016, Obama became the first sitting US president to visit Cuba since Calvin Coolidge in 1928.

1965: Medicare and Medicaid passage

In 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were passed. The Affordable Care Act, along with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act amendment, represents the U.S. healthcare system's most significant regulatory overhaul and expansion of coverage since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

1996: Church Arson Prevention Act signed

In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Church Arson Prevention Act into law, prior to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act which Obama signed.

2007: Discovery of Ancestral Roots in Ireland

In 2007, it was discovered that Ann Dunham's great-great-grandfather emigrated from Moneygall, Ireland.

2008: Effective Campaigner and Orator

In 2008, Obama's campaign was particularly highlighted as one of the most effective in American history, establishing him as one of the most talented political orators of the 21st century.

2009: Nobel Peace Prize Awarded

In 2009, Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in international diplomacy.

2009: "Thanks, Obama" saying first appeared

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.

July 2012: Ancestry.com Discovery

In July 2012, Ancestry.com found a strong likelihood that Ann Dunham, Obama's mother, was descended from John Punch, an enslaved African man.

2015: Ranked the 18th-greatest American president

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

2015: Obama uses "thanks, Obama" phrase in video

Obama himself used the phrase "thanks, Obama" in video in 2015.

December 2016: Obama Bans 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 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.

2016: Obama uses "thanks, Obama" phrase in video

Obama himself used the phrase "thanks, Obama" in video in 2016.

January 2017: Obama leaves office with 60 percent approval rating

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

2017: Stephen Colbert uses "thanks, Obama" phrase

In 2017, the phrase "thanks, Obama" was used by Stephen Colbert to express gratitude to Obama on his last day in office.

2017: Obama's final approval rating at 59 percent

In polling conducted January 16–19, 2017, Obama's final approval rating was 59 percent, which placed him on par with George H. W. Bush and Dwight D. Eisenhower.