What were the major events of the George W. Bush presidency? Essential Question What were the major events of the George W. Bush presidency?

George W. Bush

Election of 2000 Democrat – Al Gore Republican – George W. Bush

Election of 2000 Decided by 537 votes in Florida Closest presidential election in U.S. history

Election of 2000 Both needed Florida’s 25 electoral votes to win

Election of 2000

Election of 2000 Close results in Florida State law required a recount Bush won by 537 votes

Bush v. Gore Gore took the case to the Supreme Court Ruled in favor FL certified results in time for the electoral college vote in mid-December

Sept. 11, 2001 Terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania Terrorism – the use of violence by nongovernmental groups against civilians to achieve a political goal

Reasons for Muslim Terrorism U.S. investments in Middle East oil Western influences on Muslim religious values U.S. support of Israel

Al-Qaeda Muslim organization created by Osama bin Laden

War on Terror Response to terrorist attacks Created Department of Homeland Security

Patriot Act Increased authority of US law enforcement agencies Question of civil liberties?

War on Terror - Afghanistan Oct. 7, 2001 – U.S. began bombing Attacked al-Qaeda camps and the Taliban (supporters of bin Laden)

War on Terror2 - Iraq War March 20, 2003 – U.S. coalition forces (led by the U.S.) Invasion of Iraq, seized control by May 1

U.S. – Iraq War Based on intelligence that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction Used chemical weapons against the Kurds in Iraq

Colin Powell Testified before the UN that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction

War in Iraq Unstable government Terrorist insurgents and attacks

War in Iraq 2007 – troop surge approved Have been removing troops from Iraq

2008 Election Republican – John McCain Democrat – Barack Obama First African American president