President (history of the term)

The word president is derived from the Latin prae- "before" + sedere "to sit." As such, it originally designated the officer who "sits before" a gathering and ensures that debate is conducted according to the rules of order (see also chairman and speaker). This usage survives today in the title of such offices as "President of the Board of Trade" and "Lord President of the Council" in the United Kingdom, as well as "President of the Senate" (one of the roles constitutionally assigned to the Vice-President of the United States). The officiating priest at certain Anglican religious services, too, is sometimes called the "President" in this sense.

Presidential timeline

• 1640- Henry Dunster succeeds Nathaniel Eaton as the head of Harvard College. He creates for himself the title of President of Harvard.
• 1783- The independence of the United States of America is recognized, with the President of the United States in Congress Assembled as acting head of state.
• 1787 - The United States Constitution creates the office of President of the United States, the powerful chief executive of the federal government.
• 1789- George Washington becomes the first President of the U.S.
• 1806- Haiti separates from France and becomes a republic. Henri Christophe declares himself President of Haiti, while Alexandre Pétion does so too in opposition to him.
• 1819- Colombia declares independence from Spain with Simón Bolívar as first president.
• 1822- Greece proclaims independence from the Ottoman Empire with Alexandros Mavrokordatos claiming to be president.
• 1847- Liberia, after the settlement of former US slaves, becomes Africa's first republic with Joseph Jenkins Roberts as president.
• 1848- After the fall of King Louis-Philippe France proclaims its Second Republic with a president as the new head of state.
• 1910- The monarchy of Portugal is deposed and the post President of Portugal is created.
• 1912- The Republic of China is founded after the Qing Dynasty is deposed, Sun Yat-sen becomes China's first president.
• 1959- Madagascar separates from France and establishes Africa's second presidency.