Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) was the 33rd president of the United States, unexpectedly assuming office in 1945 and leading the nation through the final months of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. He made the decision to use atomic bombs against Japan, the creation of the postwar international order, the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the NATO, and the Korean War. Though controversial, Truman is now widely regarded as one of the most consequential presidents of the post World War world.

Henry A. Wallace (1888-1965) was an agricultural scientist and businessman who became Franklin D. Roosevelt's secretary of agriculture and later his vice president. He served during the crucial years surrounding American entry into World War II before being replaced by Harry Truman on Roosevelt's 1944 ticket. Wallace later served as secretary of commerce and ran for president on the Progressive Party ticket in 1948.

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) was the 34th president of the United States and a five-star general who served as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II. As president from 1953 to 1961, he brought the Korean War to an end, strengthened America’s position in the Cold War, oversaw the creation of the Interstate Highway System, and took federal action to enforce school desegregation. Eisenhower left office as one of the most respected American leaders of the twentieth century.

Nelson Rockefeller (1908-1979) was a businessman and public official who became governor of New York and one of the country's most prominent Republicans. After Gerald Ford became president in 1974, Rockefeller was confirmed as vice president under the Twenty-Fifth Amendment and served from December 1974 to January 1977.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) was the 36th president of the United States, known for advancing the Great Society, landmark civil rights legislation, and major federal programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. His presidency also became deeply associated with the Vietnam War, which escalated dramatically during his administration and divided the American public.

Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) was the 40th president of the United States, serving from 1981 to 1989 after a career as a Hollywood actor, labor leader, and governor of California. His presidency ushered in a conservative political era marked by tax cuts, deregulation, increased defense spending, and a forceful approach to the Cold War, followed by improved relations and arms-control negotiations with the Soviet Union.