George Bush and the Persian Gulf War UNIT 12

1988 Election George H.W. Bush Voters being very pleased with the success of the Ronald Reagan presidency, Elected George Bush Sr. in hopes of continuing that success Campaign Slogan “Read my lips: No New Taxes!”

No New Taxes

Economic Recession The Economy dipped into a two year recession from 1990 to 1992 Bush’s “No New Taxes” plan banked on the economy showing the same growth it had during Reagan’s administration Bush had to raise taxes twice War Looms

Persian Gulf War Iraq was economically in debt and Saddam Hussein was trying to find a solution to fix it The country of Kuwait was breaking OPEC rules and producing more oil than it should (under US persuasion), driving oil prices down for other countries. Costing Iraq 1 billion dollars a year in oil revenue Iraq invades Kuwait As a result oil prices (and gas prices) in America rise – hurting our economy further by driving up inflation

Persian Gulf War Saudi Arabia invites the US to protect them from Iraqi invasion US institute Operation Desert Shield and starts moving troops into Saudi Arabia After a strong enough US and UN force buildup, Operation Desert Shield transforms into Operation Desert Storm January 16, 1991 we launch a massive air assault to weaken Iraq and destroy its Air Force February 23, 1991 we launch a ground offensive into Kuwait February 28, 1991 Kuwait was liberated

Air Superiority

Unchallenged Ground Assault

Persian Gulf War In less than 2 months America had destroyed the 4th most powerful military in the world. 400 US casualties 100,000+ Iraqi casualties

1992 Election George Bush Sr. while successful in the war was haunted by his failed promise of “no new taxes” Raised them twice Budget shortfalls due to a faltering economy Funding the 1st Iraq War Americans seemed more concerned about a failing economy than the swift victory in Iraq Democrat candidate Bill Clinton defeats Bush in the 1992 election

Bill Clinton Attacks Bush on Taxes