You will research the contributions of one notable Arkansan of your choice and complete the chart linked in Step 1. (See the list of suggested people below.)
Who will you research? The person you choose can be anyone from Arkansas who has made contributions to the arts, medicine, politics, science, or technology. Possibilities of notable Arkansans include, but are not limited to*, the following individuals: Maya Angelou • Daisy Lee Gaston Bates • Maurice “Footsie” Britt • John Franklin Broyles • Hattie Caraway • Eldridge Cleaver • William Clinton • Harvey Couch • Jay Hanna “Dizzy” Dean • Jimmy Driftwood • Jocelyn Elders • Orval Faubus • George Fisher • John Gould Fletcher • James William Fulbright • Ellen Gilchrist • Silas Hunt • Scipio Jones • John Johnson • Field Kindley • Douglas MacArthur • John McClellan • Sidney “Sid” McMath • William Grant Still • Louise Thaden • Miller Williams • Johnny Cash.
*If you chose a person not listed above you MUST have prior approval from Mrs. Hayworth or Mr. Shackelford via WebMail.
Notable Arkansan Chart
Be sure to cite your sources next to the information in your chart. The website and date you found the information is enough. For example, Source:
For this assignment, I choose to research William Jefferson Clinton.
| Name: William Jefferson Clinton |
| --- | --- |
| Date of Birth: August 19, 1946 |
| Place of Birth: Hope, Arkansas |
| Contributions: William Jefferson Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. During his presidency, he oversaw a period of economic expansion and job growth. He also worked on healthcare reform and signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Clinton also played a key role in the Oslo Accords, which sought to bring peace between Israel and Palestine. After his presidency, he continued to be active in public service through the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative. |
| Sources: Biography.com. (2021). Bill Clinton. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/us-president/bill-clinton |
| --- | --- |
How did William Jefferson Clinton actions make an impact or difference? In other words, why is this person important?
William Jefferson Clinton is considered important because of his significant impact on both domestic and international affairs during his time as President of the United States. Some key actions and initiatives that made an impact include:
1. Economic Growth: Clinton's tenure as president oversaw a period of economic expansion, with low unemployment rates and a budget surplus. His policies helped spur job growth and improve the overall economy.
2. Healthcare Reform: Clinton made efforts to reform the healthcare system in the United States, although his proposed plan faced challenges in Congress. His advocacy for healthcare reform paved the way for future discussions on the issue.
3. International Relations: Clinton played a key role in the Oslo Accords, which aimed to bring peace between Israel and Palestine. His diplomatic efforts towards achieving peace in the Middle East were significant.
4. NAFTA: Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which aimed to create a trilateral trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This agreement had a lasting impact on trade relations between the countries involved.
5. Continued Public Service: After his presidency, Clinton continued to be active in public service through the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative. His philanthropic work focused on areas such as global health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Overall, William Jefferson Clinton is important due to his contributions to economic growth, healthcare reform, international diplomacy, trade agreements, and ongoing public service efforts that have had a lasting impact on various aspects of society.
What is something else you learned about your notable Arkansan?
One interesting fact that I learned about William Jefferson Clinton is that he is the first and only U.S. president to receive a Sarajevo passport. In 1996, during his presidency, Clinton visited Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to show support for the country after the Bosnian War. In recognition of his efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, the city of Sarajevo awarded Clinton an honorary citizenship and a symbolic passport. This gesture symbolized the gratitude and respect the people of Sarajevo had for Clinton's role in working towards peace in the region. It highlights Clinton's international impact and the significance of his diplomatic efforts in conflict resolution.
Why were their contributions important?
William Jefferson Clinton's contributions were important for several reasons:
1. Economic Growth: Clinton's policies during his presidency contributed to a period of economic expansion and job growth in the United States. His focus on creating a budget surplus and reducing unemployment rates helped improve the overall economic well-being of the country.
2. Healthcare Reform: Clinton's advocacy for healthcare reform was important because it brought attention to the need for improvements in the healthcare system. While his proposed plan did not come to fruition, the discussions and efforts he initiated paved the way for future healthcare policy discussions and reforms.
3. International Relations: Clinton's diplomatic efforts, such as his involvement in the Oslo Accords, demonstrated his commitment to promoting peace and stability in regions of conflict. His role in negotiating peace agreements and fostering dialogue between nations helped address longstanding conflicts and promote cooperation on the global stage.
4. NAFTA: The signing of NAFTA by Clinton had significant implications for trade relations between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The agreement aimed to reduce trade barriers and promote economic growth through increased commerce between the three countries. NAFTA's impact on trade and economic relationships highlighted the importance of international cooperation and trade agreements.
5. Continued Public Service: Clinton's commitment to public service through the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative underscored the importance of ongoing philanthropic work and community engagement. His efforts in areas such as global health, economic development, and environmental sustainability had a positive impact on addressing critical issues and improving the lives of people around the world.
Overall, William Jefferson Clinton's contributions were important because they addressed key economic, healthcare, diplomatic, and social issues, and demonstrated the impact that leadership and public service can have on shaping a better future for individuals and communities both domestically and internationally.