CrashCourse U.S. History: George HW Bush Presidency

Introduction

• Lecture by John Green on George HW Bush, the 2nd most important George Bush to be U.S. President.
• Discusses the beginning of the 90s with Bush's election in 1988.

George HW Bush's Background

• War hero; youngest Navy pilot during WWII.
• Successful oil businessman in Texas.
• Political career: Congressman, UN ambassador, CIA director, Vice President.
• Son of Senator Prescott Bush; grew up wealthy, but portrayed as a Texan.

1988 Presidential Campaign

• Bush's VP choice: Dan Quayle, young senator from Indiana.
• Opponent: Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.
• Dukakis perceived as competent but weak, evidenced by infamous tank photo.
• Jesse Jackson was a primary contender, marking progress in African American political representation.
• Campaign marked by negative ads, notably the Willie Horton ad.
• Bush's "Read my lips, No New Taxes!" pledge.

Presidency: Foreign Policy

• Focus on foreign rather than domestic policy due to his background.
• Key events: the end of the Cold War, Berlin Wall falls, Velvet Revolution.
• START I and START II treaties reduced nuclear weapons.
• Declaring a "New World Order" post-Cold War.

Major Foreign Policy Events

• Yugoslavia conflict: U.S. stayed out.
• Somalia intervention for food aid (Black Hawk Down incident).
• Gulf War: Iraq's invasion of Kuwait; UN-backed coalition led by U.S. pushed Iraq out.
• Victory in Gulf War lifted American morale and Bush's approval rating.

Domestic Policy Challenges

• Lack of a strong domestic agenda; focus on foreign policy.
• Economic Recession (1990-1992): unemployment rose, economic slowdown.
• Bush's tax increase decision, violating his "No New Taxes" pledge.
• Family and Medical Leave Act and Americans With Disabilities Act passed.

1992 Election and Aftermath

• Recession and tax raise undermined Bush's re-election.
• Challenged by Pat Buchanan, weakened GOP support, especially among evangelicals.
• Ross Perot's third-party candidacy split conservative votes.
• Defeated by Bill Clinton.

Social Issues

• Rodney King incident highlighted racial tensions in America.
• LA riots after verdict against police officers involved in King beating.

Legacy

• Viewed as a period of cooperation despite rising partisanship.
• Important international changes, less domestic transformation.
• Notable for raising George W. Bush, who would later become President.
• Transition period before the internet era.

Conclusion

• Video part of Crash Course series, encouraging support on Subbable.
• Emphasizes not forgetting to "be awesome."