Modern Presidents! Clinton→ Bush→ Obama

William “Bill” Clinton (1993-2001) Signed “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” (LGBT can serve in the military if they keep their sexuality a secret) Signed DOMA—Defense of Marriage Act (defined marriage between a man and a woman only). Economic boom due to the .com bubble (in the 1990s many internet companies began operating. Stocks or shares of these internet companies sent the stock market higher than it had ever been.) Was impeached but not convicted for lying and obstruction of justice relating to a sex scandal with his aide Monica Lewinski. At home

Increased free trade through NAFTA—North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA allowed free trade between Canada, US, and Mexico and eliminated trade barriers like tariffs). Intervened in the Arab-Israeli conflict by hosting the Oslo accords to bring peace to the Middle East Engaged US forces for humanitarian efforts (to promote human rights). For example; Authorized US forces armed forces to stop genocide of Albanians by Kosovo Abroad

2000 Presidential Election

2000 Presidential Election

Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case that decided the Presidential election of 2000 between Al Gore (D) and George W. Bush (R). George W. Bush was declared the winner of the elections.

Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case that decided the Presidential election of 2000 between Al Gore (D) and George W. Bush (R). George W. Bush was declared the winner of the elections.

George W. Bush (2001-2008) At home Bush v. Gore controversial election Sign the “No Child Left Behind (creates the standardized tests across states) Sets aside $15 million to combat AIDS Was criticized for not providing enough relief after hurricane Katrina. Cut taxes and increased the US debt. The Great Recession began. At home

The September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks 19 members of al-Qaeda hijacked 4 planes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the US. Two of the planes crashed into the World Trade Center, a third plane hit the Pentagon, and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Over 3,000 people were killed during the attacks, including more than 400 police officers and firefighters.

After 9/11…. The US invades Afghanistan to overthrow the Taliban gov. that was tied to Al-Qaeda and its leader Osama Bin Laden. NATO supported the US and became involved. Bush signs the Patriot Act to investigate and prevent terrorist activities, the law however, violates American's privacy rights. US invades Iraq in 2003 to overthrow the gov. of Sadam Hussein who was accused of supporting Al-Qaeda and having “weapons of mass destruction”. Abroad

The 2008 Recession “The Great Recession” Causes: Repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act—which allowed personal banking to be mixed with investment banking. Housing Bubble—prices of homes were ballooned up and then popped and decreased dramatically. Baby boomers—by now are over 50 and are beginning to retire and ask for pensions which will strain (hurt) the economy. This is known as the Wave Age Theory.

The 2008 Recession “The Great Recession” Gas prices increase as well as prices for other goods—war in Iraq intensified in 2007 and 2008 leaving many to fear that the supply of oil could be limited… when something is limited it gains more value.

Effects of the 2008 Great Recession” Bankruptcies (business closings) Debts Decline in the stock market (profits of businesses and investments on businesses) Unemployment Inflation—Increase in oil and food prices Increase in home foreclosures (when homes are taken away if the homeowner does not pay the mortgage or loan)

Bush vs. Obama Bush’s Plan Obama’s Stimulus Plan $350 billion to prevent banks from closing. Tax cuts for families Tax exemptions for businesses Obama’s Stimulus Plan $250 tax credit or bonus for lower classes $250 bonus for seniors in their Social Security check Programs to help homeowners pay mortgages $10 billion for states to avoid a cut in benefits and services Expand unemployment insurance (from 26 to 73 weeks) Continued the bank bail out (or aid $$$)

The 2008 Recession has been compared to the 1930s Great Depression because it is the worst period for the US economy since the 1930s.

The Great Depression v. The Great Recession Unemployed people wait outside in New York City to register for federal relief jobs in 1933. Job seekers wait to attend a job fair in the Brooklyn borough of New York City in 2010.

Barack H. Obama (2008-2016) At home Signed the “Economic Stimulus Plan” (to help economic growth) Repealed “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” (allowing LGBT to openly serve in the military) Signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. (helps women demand equal pay) Supreme Court declares same-sex marriage legal. Signs the Affordable Care Act or “Obamacare” Promised to help the US turn to “clean” energy (solar/wind power instead of oil or coal) At home

FDR’s New Deal & Obama’s Stimulus Plan

Abroad Ordered the closing of Guantanamo Bay (after reports of torture at the jail site by American officials) On 2010, Obama announced that troops in Iraq and Afghanistan would come back home. May 2011, Osama Bin Laden is killed. By 2014, authorized continuous airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. December 2014, opened relations with Cuba. On July 2015 removed trade sanctions against Iran (in an effort to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons)