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 was born William Jefferson Blythe III (at age 15, he took his stepfather’s surname after his mother remarried) in Hope, Arkansas, a state in the southern United States. Coming from a poor family, he managed to complete prestigious studies in international politics and law, attending Georgetown University, Yale University (where he met a certain Hillary Rodham, who would become his famous wife), and Oxford University.
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.
Activities within the country…
Regarded as the first representative of the baby boom generation in the White House, Bill Clinton successfully tackled the nation’s deficits but stumbled over his major healthcare reform plan, which had been drafted by his wife.
… 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!