This study guide covers key events in US history from 1988 to 2003, focusing on the presidencies of George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. It examines major elections, domestic policies, economic shifts, and the rise of both domestic and international terrorism, culminating in the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent US response. Students should be prepared to distinguish between different political ideologies and the causes and effects of major policy decisions.
Bush Years (1988-1992)
George H.W. Bush's presidency saw foreign policy achievements, domestic legislation, and economic challenges.
Concept
START I Treaty
Signed with Gorbachev, this treaty aimed to limit nuclear testing, signaling a reduction in Cold War tensions.
Concept
Disability Protections
Legislation enacted to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in both public and private workspaces.
Tax Pledge Reversal
Despite a campaign promise of 'no higher taxes,' President Bush raised taxes to address the significant budget deficit, leading to political fallout.
The U.S. economy during this period also experienced a recession, adding to domestic challenges for the administration.
Election of 1992
This section details the candidates and results of the 1992 presidential election.
Key Candidates in the 1992 Presidential Election
| George H.W. Bush | Bill Clinton | Ross Perot | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Republican | Democrat | Reform |
| Key Focus | Incumbent, foreign policy | Economic recovery, 'New Democrat' | Budget deficit, tech billionaire |
Concept
New Democrat
A political ideology adopted by Bill Clinton, combining conservative economic theory (fiscal responsibility) with liberal social positions.
1992 July
Perot Withdraws
Ross Perot initially dropped out of the presidential race.
1992 October
Perot Re-enters
Perot later re-entered the election, impacting the final vote distribution.
Ultimately, Bill Clinton emerged victorious in the 1992 election, securing 43% of the popular vote.
Clinton Years 1992-2000
This topic outlines major domestic and foreign policy initiatives and challenges during Bill Clinton's presidency.
Concept
New Type of Democrat
President Clinton represented a shift, being conservative on economy and government spending while maintaining liberal stances on social issues.
An early initiative was an attempt to pass comprehensive healthcare reform, led by his wife, Hillary Clinton. This effort was ultimately shot down due to its complexity.
1994
Republican Congress
Republicans gained control of Congress outright for the first time in 40 years.
1998
Balanced Budget
The Clinton administration delivered a balanced budget, resulting in a federal surplus.
1994
NAFTA Enacted
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) removed trade barriers between the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Clinton faced impeachment proceedings in 1998 for lying under oath about having an affair in office, following earlier sexual harassment allegations. He was ultimately not convicted.
The Election of 2000
This topic describes the candidates, key issues, and controversial outcome of the 2000 presidential election.
Key Candidates and Positions in the 2000 Presidential Election
| Al Gore | George W. Bush | Ralph Nader | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Democrat | Republican | Green |
| Background | Clinton's VP | Former governor of Texas, owner of Texas Rangers | Consumer advocate |
| Stance | Liberal in economics | Conservative in social issues | Against corporate spending & pro-environment |
- 1
Florida Focal Point
Florida became the critical state, with media making conflicting calls over hours due to time zones.
- 2
Recounts & Court Battles
Weeks of recounts and legal battles ensued, challenging the validity of votes.
- 3
Supreme Court Intervention
The Supreme Court ultimately stopped the recount, effectively handing the election to Bush.
- Bush won Florida by less than 537 votes, making it one of the closest and most controversial elections in American history.
The Age of Violence & Terrorism
This topic covers significant acts of domestic violence and terrorism in the late 20th century.
The late 20th century saw the emergence of tragic school shootings, notably at Columbine High School in Colorado.
1993
Waco Siege
A standoff between the FBI and a cult in Waco, Texas, ended in a deadly fire.
1995
Unabomber Attacks
The Unabomber sent a series of mail bombs over several years, targeting academics and airline executives.
1996
Atlanta Bombing
A bomb exploded in Atlanta during the 1996 Olympic Games.
Cause
Revenge for Waco Siege
Effect
A truck bomb exploded outside the FBI building in Oklahoma City.
This attack was carried out by domestic terrorists.
Islamic Terrorism & the 9/11 Attacks
This topic details major international terrorist attacks and the US response in the early 2000s.
1993
WTC Bombing
A truck bomb exploded in the basement of the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City.
1998
Embassy Bombings
US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were targeted by coordinated bombings.
2001 9/11
9/11 Attacks
Terrorists crashed planes into the Twin Towers (WTC), the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania.
Cause
Taliban refusal to hand over Osama Bin Ladin and Al-Qaeda
Effect
President Bush ordered the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 to dismantle the Al-Qaeda network.
In 2003, President Bush justified the invasion of Iraq by citing concerns about the country's alleged weapons of mass destruction and its perceived ties to terrorism.