Barack Obama's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Barack Obama. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President (2009-2017), was the first African American to hold the office. A Democrat, he previously served as a U.S. Senator for Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency saw the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the end of the Iraq War, and the killing of Osama bin Laden. He is viewed as a significant figure in American history.

Sections (7)

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

1996: Election to the Illinois Senate

In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to the Illinois Senate, succeeding Alice Palmer from Illinois's 13th District.

1998: Re-election to the Illinois Senate

In 1998, Obama was re-elected to the Illinois Senate, defeating Republican Yesse Yehudah.

2002: Re-election to the Illinois Senate

In 2002, Obama was re-elected again to the Illinois Senate.

March 2004: Landslide Victory in Primary Election

In the March 2004 primary election, Barack Obama won in an unexpected landslide, making him a rising star within the national Democratic Party.

July 2004: Keynote Address at Democratic National Convention

In July 2004, Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, which was well-received and elevated his status within the Democratic Party.

November 2004: Victory in General Election

In the November 2004 general election, Barack Obama won with 70 percent of the vote, the largest margin of victory for a Senate candidate in Illinois history.

January 3, 2005: Swearing-in as Senator

On January 3, 2005, Barack Obama was sworn in as a senator, becoming the only Senate member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

February 10, 2007: Announcement of Presidential Candidacy

On February 10, 2007, Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States in front of the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois.

2008: Passage of Amendment to Defense Authorization Act

In the spring of 2008, Obama's amendment to the Defense Authorization Act passed the full Senate.

May 1, 2011: Osama bin Laden killed in surgical raid

On May 1, 2011, a "surgical raid" authorized by Obama and conducted by United States Navy SEALs resulted in the shooting death of Osama bin Laden and the seizure of papers, computer drives and disks from the compound.

December 2014: Negotiated restoration of relations with Cuba

In December 2014, it was announced that Obama, with Pope Francis as an intermediary, had negotiated a restoration of relations with Cuba, after nearly sixty years of détente.

July 1, 2015: Formal diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States resume

On July 1, 2015, President Obama announced that formal diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States would resume, and embassies would be opened in Washington and Havana.