1. George Bush and the Persian Gulf War
UNIT 12

2. 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!”

3. No New Taxes

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Air Superiority

8. Unchallenged Ground Assault

9. 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

10. 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

11. Bill Clinton Attacks Bush on Taxes