Colin Powell (President Powell)
Colin Powell | |
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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 April 5, 1937 Harlem, New York City, U.S. |
Political party | Republican (1995–present) |
Other political affiliations |
Independent (until 1995) |
Spouse(s) | |
Signature | Colin Powell (President Powell)'s signature |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
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.