GEORGE H. W. BUSH Republican 1989-1993

Bush faced a dramatically changing world, as the Cold War ended after 40 bitter years, the Communist empire broke up, and the Berlin Wall fell.

In the 1988 campaign, Bush promised “read my lips, no new taxes!” Why would he be unable to stick to this promise? (hint: think Reaganomics!)

Persian Gulf Wars How it began: Because of Saddam Hussein’s war debt (Iraqi leader), he invaded the oil rich country of Kuwait United States must keep peace and support Arab nations to protect oil interests in the Middle East (Eisenhower Doctrine!) Operation Desert Shield: coalition troops stations at the border in Saudi Arabia...warning to Iraq to LEAVE Kuwait! January 17, 1991, Operation Desert Storm began, to liberate Kuwait from Iraq February 28th, 1991, Bush announced a cease-fire with Kuwait liberated Bush - challenged by following a legendary, immensely popular president (like Taft, Truman)… WWII veteran, won the Distinguished Flying Cross (bomber pilot), Texas oil tycoon, Texas congressman, ambassador to the UN under Nixon, chairperson of the Republican National Committee, part of the American envoy to China under Ford, head of the CIA Bush promised, “Read my lips, no new taxes!” - to win… he did… then he raised taxes… A. In his inaugural, Bush declared his belief that the force of American power should be used to “benefit” the world. “Kinder and Gentler Nation” was his slogan. B. Berlin Wall falls – 1989 - signaling the end of the Cold War. The Soviet Union broke up during his presidency, and although he was proud and encouraged at the growth of democracy… he was cautious because he knew the road ahead toward democracy would be difficult for eastern Europe…Gorbechev, whom he respected, resigned... and the tragedy of Tiananmen Square reminded everyone of liberty’s fragile nature. C. sent troops to Panama to overthrow a corrupt gov’t under Manuel Noriega (dictator who was cooperating with drug lords in Colombia) Noriega declared war on the USA, Bush launched a lightning-war, Noriega surrendered, was convicted, and is currently in prison in Florida) 1989 D. Many criticized Bush’s Nonconfrontational policy toward China after the Tianemnen Square tragedy. In this revolt, Chinese student protesting their lack of freedom made a model of liberty (similar to the Statue of Liberty). She became known as the “Goddess of Liberty,” and many Americans hoped for a fall of communism in China as they were seeing it fall in eastern Europe. E. After Pinochet was removed in the late 80s & democracy revived slowly in the, Bush removed sactions that were begun in the 70s when Pinochet’s regime came to power F. Persian Gulf War - Bush’s finest foreign achievement was liberating Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion under Saddam Hussein. Iraq was angry at Kuwait for not following all OPEC quotas, and Hussein had a well-documented plan to become a ME power with considerable power. (many rich oil fields in Kuwait) - criticized for “war for oil”, but oil flow from Kuwait was important to our nation - criticized as intrusive, but Hussein’s site was on more than Kuwait… and a brutal dictator in any part of the world (oil or no oil) is nothing more than appeasement(The Munich analogy was used again in this instance) Despite unprecedented popularity from this military and diplomatic triumph, Bush was unable to withstand discontent at home from a faltering economy, rising violence in inner cities, and continued high deficit spending. In 1992 he lost his bid for reelection to Democrat William Clinton.

The coalition forces defeated Iraq in only a little more than a month after Operation Desert Storm was launched a nation grateful at feeling the end of the “Vietnam syndrome” gave the president an 82% approval rating

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: Saddam Hussein remained in power in Iraq….why wasn’t he removed? US troops stayed in Saudi Arabi even after Desert Storm. Why?

Exit Ticket: How war and war coverage have changed… In pairs, google answers to the following questions and write your answers on one sheet of paper. Be ready to share. (15 min) A) What new military technologies changed warfare since the 1980s? (2 examples) B) What new communication technologies have changed war coverage since the 1980s? (2 examples)