He was born on August 19, 1946. Since today is his birthday and he is one of the leading figures in modern U.S. history, LEC presents a profile of Bill Clinton as part of your language study trip to the United States.
Bill Clinton, born William Jefferson Blythe III
Bill Clinton nait William Jefferson Blythe III (il adoptera à 15 ans le patronyme de son beau-père, après le remariage de sa mère) à Hope, dans l’Arkansas, Etat du sud du pays. Issu d’une famille pauvre, il parvient à mener à bien de prestigieuses études de politique internationale et de droit, où il va de l’université de Georgetown à celle de Yale (où il rencontre une certaine Hillary Rodham, qui deviendra sa célèbre épouse), en passant par Oxford.
The 42nd President of the United States
In January 1979, Bill Clinton was elected governor of Arkansas, his home state. After serving in that office for many years, he used it as a springboard to the presidency: on January 20, 1993, he succeeded George H. W. Bush and became the 42nd president of the United States.
Des actions à l’intérieur du pays…
Considéré comme le premier représentant de la génération du baby-boom à la Maison-Blanche, Bill Clinton s’attaque avec succès aux déficits du pays, mais butte sur son grand projet de réforme du système de la santé, préparé par son épouse.
… and outside
Outside the United States, Bill Clinton sought to pursue a multifaceted diplomatic agenda. He secured the ratification of NAFTA, established the World Trade Organization, and supported Boris Yeltsin’s Russia. He also tackled a wide range of major international issues (the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, agreements on Bosnia and Herzegovina, talks in Northern Ireland, etc.) with mixed results.
The Clinton saga continues
Today, Bill Clinton heads the Clinton Foundationand is preparing to support his wife’s bid to become the first female president of the United States. This is definitely a story to follow during your language study trip to the United States!