The Century Ends

President Richard Nixon (37th) Tried to reach out to the communist world. Visited communist China and the Soviet Union. Helped bring about détente- an easing of tensions between nations.

Nixon’s presidency was wrecked by scandal. Members of Nixon’s staff ordered a break in at the Democratic headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C. Nixon denied involvement during a Congressional hearing. Nixon resigned rather than face impeachment and likely removal from office.

In 1948 the Jews established the independent state of Israel-since that time the U.S. has usually supported Israel in conflicts.

President Jimmy Carter (39th) President Carter began the process of making peace between Israel and Arab Nations. Here Carter is seen helping Egypt (an Arab nation) sign a peace treaty with Israel.

President Ronald Reagan (40th) Sped up the arms race by spending billions of dollars on new weapons. The Soviet Union tried to keep pace, but a weaker economy caused them to not be able to feed their people. In 1987 Reagan and Gorbachev sign an agreement to reduce weapons.

In June 1989, Poland became the first country behind the Iron Curtain to hold a democratic election.

Huge protests forced the East German government to open the border. People on both sides attacked the wall with sledgehammers. A few sections of the wall were left standing as a reminder.

In 1991 the Soviet Union broke up into 15 independent countries.

In August 1990, Iraq invaded its neighbor, Kuwait, to seize oil fields along their border.

Coalition forces quickly pushed Iraq back across their border. A10 tank killer M1A1 Abrams Apache Gas masks Stealth fighter

President Bush left Iraq’s ruler, Saddam Hussein in power.