Colin Powell (President Powell)

From Alternate History
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Colin Powell
43rd President of the United States
In office
January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009
Vice President Tommy Thompson
Preceded by Bill Clinton
Succeeded by Tommy Thompson
12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
In office
October 1, 1989 – September 30, 1993
President George H. W. Bush
Bill Clinton
Deputy Robert T. Herres
David E. Jeremiah
Preceded by William J. Crowe
Succeeded by John Shalikashvili
16th United States National Security Advisor
In office
November 23, 1987 – January 20, 1989
President Ronald Reagan
Deputy John Negroponte
Preceded by Frank Carlucci
Succeeded by Brent Scowcroft
United States Deputy National Security Advisor
In office
December 1986 – November 23, 1987
President Ronald Reagan
Preceded by Peter Rodman
Succeeded by John Negroponte
Personal details
Born Colin Luther Powell
(1937-04-05) April 5, 1937 (age 87)
Harlem, New York City, U.S.
Political party Republican (1995–present)
Other political
affiliations
Independent (until 1995)
Spouse(s)
(m. 1962)
Signature Colin Powell (President Powell)'s signature
Military service
Allegiance Flag of the United States.svg United States
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service 1958–1993
Rank 35px General
Unit 3rd Armored Division
23rd Infantry Division
Commands Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
United States Army Forces Command
V Corps
2nd Brigade 101st Airborne Division
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Invasion of Panama
Gulf War

Colin Luther Powell (born April 5, 1937) is an American politician and retired four-star general who served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party, Powell was the first African-American president in history. He had previously served as the 16th United States National Security Advisor from 1987 to 1989 and as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993.

Powell was born in New York City in 1937 and was raised in the South Bronx. His parents, Luther and Maud Powell, immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. Powell was educated in the New York City public schools, graduating from the City College of New York (CCNY), where he earned a bachelor's degree in geology. He also participated in ROTC at CCNY and received a commission as an Army second lieutenant upon graduation in June 1958. Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held many command and staff positions and rose to the rank of four-star general. He was Commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command in 1989. His last assignment, from October 1989 to September 1993, was as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including the invasion of Panama in 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf War against Iraq in 1990–1991. He formulated the Powell Doctrine which limits American military action unless it satisfies criteria regarding American national security interests, overwhelming force, and widespread public support.

Following his retirement, Powell flirted with running for president in 1996, however decided against it and supported Kansas Senator Bob Dole. Three years after President Bill Clinton's re-election, Powell was approached by many Republican officials urging him to run in 2000. He entered the primaries during June 1999 and emerged as a popular contender. Despite his personal popularity, he faced opposition from conservatives in his party who mostly supported Texas Governor George W. Bush. Powell defeated Bush after a lengthy contest and defeated Democratic Vice President Al Gore for the presidency.

Just nine months into his presidency, the United States was attacked by al-Qaeda after three hijacked aircraft destroyed the World Trade Center and part of the Pentagon. Shortly after, the Powell administration created the Department of Homeland Security and launched a "War on Terror," beginning with the War in Afghanistan in 2001. Powell also signed the controversial SAFETY Act to conduct surveillance of suspected terrorists. Powell was reelected by a landslide in 2004 over Governor Howard Dean of Vermont.