George H.W. Bush 1989-1993
Election of 1988 George Herbert Walker Bush (republican) Reagan’s VP Defeated Democrat Mike Dukakis (Gov of Massachusetts) Promised “NO new taxes!”
Foreign Policy: Panama 1989- Bush sends troops to capture dictator Manuel Noriega, who had declared a “state of war” on the US
Foreign Policy: Persian Gulf War Iraq in debt (war with Iran) Aug 1990 Saddam Hussein orders troops to seize Kuwait to take oil 1991- Persian Gulf War UN & U.S. set January deadline Operation Desert Storm (U.S. victory by February)
Domestic Affairs: The Economy Unemployment increases over 6% 1992 budget exceeds $300 billion deficit Economic downturn led to massive Democratic victories in the 1992 Election Bush ran for reelection but only received about 30% of votes- lost to Bill Clinton
Domestic Affairs: Race Relations Beating of Rodney King by LAPD caught on camera Police acquitted, riots across LA (50+ deaths, $1 billion in damages) Officers later convicted on federal charges President Bush spoke out in shock after original verdict