1. What were the major events of the George W. Bush presidency?
Essential Question
What were the major events of the George W. Bush presidency?

2. George W. Bush

3. Election of 2000
Democrat – Al Gore
Republican – George W. Bush

4. Election of 2000 Decided by 537 votes in Florida
Closest presidential election in U.S. history

5. Election of 2000
Both needed Florida’s 25 electoral votes to win

6. Election of 2000

8. Election of 2000 Close results in Florida State law required a recount
Bush won by 537 votes

9. Bush v. Gore Gore took the case to the Supreme Court
Ruled in favor FL certified results in time for the electoral college vote in mid-December

10. Sept. 11, 2001
Terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania
Terrorism – the use of violence by nongovernmental groups against civilians to achieve a political goal

11. Reasons for Muslim Terrorism
U.S. investments in Middle East oil
Western influences on Muslim religious values
U.S. support of Israel

12. Al-Qaeda
Muslim organization created by Osama bin Laden

13. War on Terror Response to terrorist attacks
Created Department of Homeland Security

14. Patriot Act Increased authority of US law enforcement agencies
Question of civil liberties?

15. Afghanistan Oct. 7, 2001 – U.S. began bombing
Attacked al-Qaeda camps and the Taliban (supporters of bin Laden)

16. Iraq War March 20, 2003 – U.S. coalition forces (led by the U.S.)
Invasion of Iraq, seized control by May 1

17. U.S. – Iraq War
Based on intelligence that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction
Used chemical weapons against the Kurds in Iraq

18. Colin Powell
Testified before the UN that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction

19. War in Iraq
Unstable government
Terrorist insurgents and attacks

20. War in Iraq 2007 – troop surge approved
Today – removal of troops as Iraq becomes more stable as a democracy

21. 2008 Election Republican – John McCain Democrat – Barack Obama
First African American president