Barack Hussein Obama II served two terms in office as the 44th President of the United States, making history as the first African American to ever hold the office. During his time in office, Obama was a highly influential leader who experienced both successes and failures. We’re exploring some of the most fascinating facts about Barack Obama’s life, from his humble beginnings to his groundbreaking presidency. Let’s get into the Top 10 Facts about Barack Obama.
1. Obama served as the 44th president of the United States
Obama was the US president from 2009 to 2017. Before him the president was George w. Bush and after him Donald Trump was president.
2. He was the first African American president of the United States
Barack Obama made history in 2009 when he became the first African American President.
3. He went to Harvard Law School
Obama went to Harvard Law School, one of the best universities in the world. He then became a civil rights attorney, helping people fight for equality plus he taught law at the University of Chicago Law School. He later became interested in politics and eventually became president.
4. He was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.
The 2009 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Barack Obama for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”
The Prize has only ever been won by four American Presidents.
Obama had been in power for less than eight months when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
As President, he tried to bring peace and equality to his own country and the world. He also set the plan for the withdrawal of the U.S.army in Iraq.
5. Obama was born in Hawaii
Barack Obama spent the first few years of his life in Hawaii before moving to Jakarta in Indonesia. After spending several years in Jakarta, Obama returned to Hawaii in 1971.
Some people tried to say Obama wasn’t born in the United States, which would have meant he wasn’t allowed to be president. He released his birth certificate to prove he was born in Hawaii.
6. In 2012, Barack Obama became the first U.S. president to officially sanction same-sex marriage
This meant he supported Gay marriage and wanted to allow men to marry men, and women to marry women.
In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage and made it legal across America. Before this individual states could choose if Gay Marriage was allowed.
7. Obama improved healthcare for millions of Americans
Obama’s biggest goal as president was to help all U.S citizens afford health care.
At the time, almost 50 million Americans didn’t have health insurance, which meant that some families couldn’t afford to go to the doctor.
Obama introduced the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was nicknamed Obamacare and meant the poorest in the country would be able to have healthcare.
8. In 2014 he set up the Obama Foundation with his wife
the Obama Foundation provides mentoring and education to children, and helps university students with scholarships so that those who might not be able to afford to go to university can do.
9. Obama is left handed!
Obama is one of eight presidents that are left-handed. Other left handed presidents are James Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
10. He has written four books
Obama has written four books, including “The Audacity of Hope”, “Dreams of My Father” and “A Promise Land” . “A Promise Land” is the best selling memoir from a president of all-time.
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