George Washington (1732-99) was commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first president of the United States. Theodore Roosevelt became the first president of the United States and was elected to a second term. Roosevelt's complex legacy includes his achievements as a progressive and reformer. His book, American Nietzsche: A History of an Icon and His Ideas, won the John H. Dunning Prize, an award given by American Historical for an outstanding monograph on a subject in United States history. Somodevilla Chip Getty Images. When Americans vote for the president and vice president of the United States, they are actually voting for presidential electors, known collectively as electors. Project ideas offer a diverse and engaging exploration of U.S. history. From the founding of the nation to contemporary issues, the subjects are numerous. So grab your time machine, whether it's a research paper, presentation, or creative project, and immerse yourself in America's captivating history. It was a decade marked by the post-World War II boom, the dawn of the Cold War, and the civil rights movement. United States. “America right now,” the former Brit said.