Lecture Notes: The Presidency of George H.W. Bush

Introduction

• Video sponsored by Squarespace
• Discussion on two historical figures who were both fathers of presidents and presidents themselves: John Adams and George H.W. Bush.
• Bush described as perhaps the most qualified man to occupy the Oval Office.
• Despite high approval ratings, George H.W. Bush was a one-term president.

Early Life

• Born June 12, 1924, into a wealthy New England family with alleged royal lineage.
• Privileged upbringing with a focus on service and charity.
• Enlisted in the navy on his 18th birthday during WWII and became the youngest pilot.

Military Career

• Survived a plane downing during a bombing run over Chichijima in 1944.
• Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after the war.

Entry into Politics

• Moved to Texas and entered the oil industry.
• Political career began in the 1960s with a run for Senate and later serving in the House.
• Appointed as U.S. Ambassador to the UN and became the Chairman of the RNC during Watergate.

Vice Presidency and Presidency

• Served as VP under Ronald Reagan despite being kept away from major decisions.
• Elected President in 1988 with a strong mandate but struggled with economic and domestic issues.

Foreign Policy Challenges

• Tiananmen Square protests: mild response to China's crackdown.
• Invasion of Panama: Overthrew dictator Manuel Noriega, criticized for civilian casualties.
• Collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe: handled Soviet collapse diplomatically.
• The First Gulf War: Successfully led a coalition to expel Iraq from Kuwait.

Domestic Policy and Re-Election

• Passed the Americans with Disabilities Act and Clean Air Act.
• Broken promise on "no new taxes" played a role in economic discontent.
• Lost re-election in 1992 to Bill Clinton with significant vote taken by Ross Perot.

Post-Presidency

• Transitioned quietly into retirement, engaged in limited political activities.
• Died November 30, 2018, remembered as a decent, bipartisan-respected president.

Legacy and Conclusion

• Despite achievements, Bush's presidency is often overshadowed by his son’s and Reagan’s.
• Remembered for a more civil political era with bipartisan respect.
• Reflection on the increasing polarization of American politics since his presidency.

These notes capture the essential points about George H.W. Bush's presidency, focusing on his political career, major events during his term, and his lasting legacy.