Crash Course U.S. History - The 21st Century & George W. Bush Presidency

Introduction

• John Green presents an overview of the early 21st century U.S. history.
• The focus is on the presidency of George W. Bush.
• This period is not typically covered in exams like the AP test.

The 2000 Presidential Election

• Democratic candidate: Al Gore, sitting Vice President.
• Republican candidate: George W. Bush, Governor of Texas.
• Bush ran as a Compassionate Conservative, forming a coalition of religious and fiscal conservatives.
• The election was close, highlighting the Red-Blue political divide.
• Gore won the popular vote but not the Electoral College; controversy over Florida's vote count.
• The Supreme Court intervened, stopping a recount (Bush v. Gore decision).

Early Policies of George W. Bush

• Implemented campaign promises, including a missile defense system.
• Barred federal funding for stem cell research.
• Supported oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
• Bush administration rejected the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on carbon emissions.
• Attempted education reform with the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Passed the largest tax cut in American history in 2001.

September 11, 2001 Attacks

• Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked four airliners.
  • Two hit the World Trade Center.
  • One hit the Pentagon.
  • One crashed in Pennsylvania.
• Almost 3,000 people died, including many first responders.
• The attacks unified the country; President Bush’s popularity soared.
• Bush Doctrine established: no distinction between terrorists and those who harbor them.

The War in Afghanistan

• U.S. launched airstrikes in Afghanistan to dismantle the Taliban and al Qaeda.
• Set up a new Afghan government.
• Taliban resurgence by 2007.

The Iraq War

• Bush Doctrine expanded to include Iraq, Iran, and North Korea as an "axis of evil."
• 2003 invasion of Iraq based on alleged WMDs and ties to 9/11.
• Saddam Hussein ousted, but Iraq descended into chaos.
• Costs and American casualties rose significantly.

Domestic Policies and Controversies

• USA PATRIOT Act passed, expanding law enforcement powers.
• Established Guantanamo Bay detention camp.
• NSA surveillance and warrantless wiretapping raised civil liberties concerns.

Re-election and Economic Issues

• Bush re-elected in 2004.
• Hurricane Katrina exposed governmental inefficiencies and racial disparities.
• 2007 recession due to housing bubble burst and banking crisis.

Conclusion

• The Bush years were marked by significant shifts in foreign and domestic policy.
• The definition of freedom and security evolved post-9/11.
• Next Crash Course episode will cover the 2008 financial collapse.