Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, as well as the nation’s first African-American president, was inaugurated on January 20, 2009. Obama served eight years in office and made several landmark achievements during that time.

Under Obama, the U.S. became more prosperous and stable. The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was his signature accomplishment; it offered low-cost healthcare insurance to over 22 million Americans who had previously been uninsured.  

Obama rescued the country from recession. Over six years, his initiatives helped reduce the nation’s unemployment rate from 10% to 4.7%. His economic stimulus programs provided jobs to millions of citizens across the nation and allowed them to adequately provide for their families.

In addition, the U.S. automotive industry turned around because of Obama’s audacious economic leadership. In 2009, Obama injected $62 billion of federal money into helping two foundering automakers, General Motors and Chrysler, in return for equity stakes and agreements for large restructuring. It worked, and in 2011, the companies gained market share for the first time in two decades.

Another one of Obama’s great accomplishments was recapitalizing banks. During a financial crisis, he approved a controversial Treasury Department plan that attracted private capital into the country’s largest banks. Eventually, his plan got thousands of banks back on their feet at almost no cost to the government.

On Jan. 29, 2009, just nine days after Obama was inaugurated into office, he signed the Lilly Ledbetter Act. This act ensured equal pay for women or anyone facing pay discrimination. The act has completely abolished wage disparity for people of any sex or race.

As president, Obama contributed to ending the Iraq war. He ordered the capture and killing of Osama Bin Laden on May 2, 2011. Bin Laden was a longtime terrorist enemy of the U.S. who was allegedly the primary mastermind behind the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

These are just a few of President Barack Obama’s many accomplishments during his time in office. Obama was an important role model to millions of Americans, not only because he broke the color barrier for the nation’s highest office, but because of his humble beginnings, personal tenacity, scandal-free administration and serene family life, including a First Lady who was much admired in her own right. Obama’s accomplishments during his presidency, including his most notable achievement, the Affordable Care Act, mark him as a highly successful president from 2009 until 2017.