Warm Up

1990-Present: The World and the U.S. Change

Characteristics of American Society Since 1990 Swift Change in Economy Major Shift in Focus on Foreign Policy Persian Gulf War Balkan Crisis 9/11/2001 2008 Presidential Election

George H.W. Bush 1989-1993 (Republican)

End of the Cold War (Collapse of the Soviet Union, 1991) – throughout the 1980s, the Soviet Union battled with a failing economy and unrest. When Mikhail Gorbachev became the new Soviet leader, he promoted political liberty and opened the “doors” to capitalism. Other Eastern European countries were also encountering economic instability and unrest.

Borders began to open and free elections were held, ousting longstanding Communist regimes. The symbolic end of the Cold War came in 1989 with the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. This helped to deescalate tensions between the United States and Communist Counties. When the U.S.S.R. Collapsed it created 15 different independent nations.

1st Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) –Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, and the U.S. led a UN-authorized coalition force of 34 nations, to expel Iraqi forces from the country of Kuwait. The war was decisively won by the coalition forces but Saddam Hussein remained in power.

Panama – Leader of Panama, Manuel Noriega, was a U. S Panama – Leader of Panama, Manuel Noriega, was a U.S. supporter but was accused of spying for Fidel Castro. Reagan and Bush sent troops to capture him and Bush was successful with the completion of Operation Just Cause. Noriega was capture and convicted.

Somalia Civil War – Starting in 1988, Somalia broke up in to 10 different armed rebels and began fighting causing a humanitarian crisis. The Bush Administration, working with the UN, launched Operation Restore Hope which sent American troops on humanitarian missions in Somalia. The fighting continued on into the Clinton administration.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) - Bush's administration spearheaded the negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which would eliminate the majority of tariffs on products traded among the United States, Canada, and Mexico, to encourage trade amongst the countries. The agreement came under heavy scrutiny amongst mainly Democrats, who charged that NAFTA resulted in a loss of American jobs. NAFTA also created a trade deficit in goods in the United States.

“Read My Lips, No New Taxes” – On his campaign Bush promised not to raise taxes. But when he came to office he faced a deficit of $220 billion dollars. Republicans wanted him to cut government spending, while the Democrats wanted to raise taxes. Bush decided to sign a bill that raised taxes and increased spending in areas like welfare. The Republicans were very upset with Bush and he lost popularity with the public. It is considered to be one of the reasons why Bush was not re-elected for a second term.