Jerry Rawlings

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Jerry Rawlings

Role / Field:

Ghanaian military leader and politician who shaped modern Ghanaian history.

Born:

1947-06-22

Died:

2020-11-12

Century / Era:

1947s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Journey

Jerry John Rawlings began his career as a military officer and aviator within the Ghana Air Force. His path to political prominence was marked by involvement in military action, including an unsuccessful coup attempt against the existing military government in 1979. This early experience laid the foundation for his later revolutionary leadership in the nation.

Innovation & Iconic Era

Rawlings seized power through a military coup in 1979 and subsequently led the country until 1993 as the chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council. Following this period, he transitioned to civilian leadership, successfully running for and winning the presidency twice. He became the longest-serving president in Ghana's history, governing the nation for nineteen years.

Legacy & Impact

In 1992, Rawlings stepped down from the military to establish a political party, the National Democratic Congress, marking a significant shift toward democratic governance. He successfully became the first president of Ghana's Fourth Republic, demonstrating his profound influence on modern Ghanaian history. Furthermore, he played a role in international diplomacy by brokering a ceasefire during the First Liberian Civil War.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1947 (1947-06-22): Birth of Jerry Rawlings — Ghanaian military leader and politician who shaped modern Ghanaian history.
2. 1979: 1979 Milestone — His path to political prominence was marked by involvement in military action, including an unsuccessful coup attempt against the existing military government in 1979.
3. 1992: 1992 Milestone — In 1992, Rawlings stepped down from the military to establish a political party, the National Democratic Congress, marking a significant shift toward democratic governance.
4. 2020 (2020-11-12): Passing & Historical Legacy — Jerry Rawlings passed away on 2020-11-12, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Jerry Rawlings

True or False: “Did Jerry Rawlings serve as the democratically elected president of Ghana for the entire period between 1979 and 2001?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He initially led a military regime until 1993 before successfully running for and serving two terms as the democratically elected president.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al Capone — Contemporary (Died in 1947) (1947): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
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• Alan Parker — Contemporary (Died in 2020) (2020): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Albert Uderzo — Contemporary (Died in 2020) (2020): Pioneering French comic artist, co-creator of the iconic Astérix series.
• Alex Trebek — Contemporary (Died in 2020) (2020): Iconic game show host, best known for decades of hosting Jeopardy! and pop culture presence.
• Abbas Kiarostami — Shared historical date (06-22 · Born) (1940): Master Iranian filmmaker known for blending fiction and documentary styles.
• Ada Yonath — Shared historical date (06-22 · Born) (1939): Pioneering crystallographer known for elucidating the structure and function of the ribosome.
• Amelia Opie — Shared historical date (11-12 · Born) (1769): English novelist and leading abolitionist of the Romantic period.
• Anne Hathaway — Shared historical date (11-12 · Born) (1982): Award-winning American actress known for roles in comedies and dramas.
• 1947 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1947
• June 22 (06-22) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 22
• 2020 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2020
• November 12 (11-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 12

Frequently Asked Questions about Jerry Rawlings