1. 1990s-Today
Focus Questions: How have terrorist attacks changed American life and foreign policy? How has American society changed at the beginning of the 21st century?

2. 12 Years of Republican Rule Ends
1992- Bill Clinton elected to the presidency
A “new,” more moderate Democrat
Former governor of Arkansas
als/1992

3. Triumphs and Failures in the 90s
Successes
Failures
Balanced the budget and presided over an economic boom.
Reformed the welfare system
Intervened in Bosnia to stop genocide
U.S. joins NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) *Some Americans are against this because they feared it would result in U.S. jobs being lost to Mexico
Tried to reform healthcare but failed to pass Congress
Investigated for an improper affair with an intern and lying under oath
Impeached!!! But not removed from office.

4. Clinton’s Impeachment
To charge a public official with a crime while in office
Charged with perjury (lying) and obstruction of justice.
You tell me: Did Bill Clinton’s crimes deserve impeachment?

5. I Love the 90s
High-tech industries- like computers, lead to economic boom (lots of $$). Based in Silicon Valley (California)
NASDAQ: measures how healthy the stock market is
Economy doing well!

6. 2000 Election--Confusion Gore vs. Bush
A close call in Florida--votes must be recounted
Issue goes to the Supreme Court for them to decide-recounts and victory goes to Bush

8. Attack on America
September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center and Pentagon are hit by planes hijacked by terrorists
What has been the impact on American life?

9. Effects of Terrorism
Department of Homeland Security Created (Cabinet Post): Created to coordinate national anti-terror efforts
Patriot Act: passed in 2001, gives law enforcement agencies increased power to complete surveillance to bring terrorists to justice.
Operation Iraqi Freedom: 2003 (overthrowing Saddam Hussein– accused of having weapons of mass destruction)
Changes American Foreign Policy: Focus on “War on Terrorism”
** Is the Patriot Act necessary for national security or is it a violation of American privacy?
**How is the War on Terror different from previous wars?

10. Why do you think they call it the Sunbelt?
Population Changes
People are moving to the Sunbelt– better weather, cheaper housing, more jobs
The average age of Americans is getting older— ”graying of America”

11. Immigration
U.S. immigration policy since reduce the number of people entering the country illegally.

12. Majority of immigrants to the U.S are from Latin America in the 2000s