“The US should be a force for good in the world.” “America ought to be a kinder, gentler nation.”

George H. W. Bush Best Prepared President AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Mr. Simoneau & Mr. Reed March 2009

Early Years in the Bush’s Family Born June 12, 1924 in Milton, Mass. Lived in Washington, DC. Son of a US Senator, Prescott Bush, R-Connecticut. High School at Phillips Exeter Academy, Milton, MA. Elite private school Family mansion on Walker Point in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Decorated Pilot Enlisted in US Navy on his 18th birthday Youngest pilot ever to earn his wings. Served on the USS San Jacinto 58 combat missions vs. Japanese Shot down, rescued by a US submarine Received Distinguished Flying Cross Award

Marriage & Family Life Married Barbara, January 1945 Started his family while at Yale Had 6 children, George W. is the eldest son. Jeb Bush, former R. Governor of Florida.

1950’s: Texas Oilman & TX Congressman Invested in the oil industry Hits a gusher. Self-made millionaire Moves to Houston, & runs for congress Midland, Texas

Congressman 1st Republican ever to be elected from the Houston, TX district Served 2 terms in the House Ran twice, unsuccessfully, for a US Senate seat from Texas.

Bush serves as a US Ambassador F irst to the United Nations, NYC and later to China, 1st US Ambassador there In the 1970’s Bush also served as National Chairman of the GOP (the Grand Old Party)

Bush serves as Reagan’s VP for 8 years De-regulation Anti-drug campaign Traveled widely around the world representing the US 1980’s

Election of 1988 Bush & Quayle vs. Mike Dukakis (D)

Man of the Year Two Themes: Continuing the Reagan Era Peace & Prosperity

Bush 41 Presidency He continued to face other communist leaders such as China (Tiananmen Square), Panama (Noriega), Iraq (Saddam Hussein & Desert Storm). Captures Panama dictator Manual Ortega. US Marines bust Drug cartel He also faced downsizing of the military at the end of the Cold War which led to a recession and businesses downsizing. Iraq invades Kuwait….Oil prices explode!

The Gulf War, US vs. Iraq 550,000 US Troops, 125,000 Allies General Stormin’ Norman Schwarzkopf leads effort Decided not to attack Baghdad (goal was to liberate Kuwait) Let Saddam Hussein continue in power – no Security Council approval to remove him.

The Persian Gulf War Iraq invades Kuwait Grand Coalition formed to liberate Kuwait US 425,000 World 118,000 3 weeks of bombing 100-hr invasion Iraq Army is destroyed

Looking back on the Gulf War Heroic return of US troops to DC Troubled US economy “Read my lips, no new taxes.” became problem Growing deficit President Bush signs new tax bill to stimulate economy.

Election of 1992 Incumbent President Bush runs for re-election Democrat Bill Clinton / Al Gore Ross Perot runs as an Independent

Third Party Candidates Perot became an issue for Bush due to the fact that 3 rd party candidates typically cause a split in votes. Normally, a majority is needed to win an election, but due to Perot’s 3 rd party candidacy, Clinton is able to win the election without a majority vote.

Bush vs. Clinton ‘92 Bush’s defeat & graceful exit.

The USS George H. W. Bush Most modern aircraft carrier in the US Navy 5,000 men 125 jets Twin nuclear reactors One of 13 aircraft carriers On patrol in the Mediterranean

Bush in his Retirement

Bush 41’s Presidential Library