George Bush
(January 20, 1989 to January 20, 1993)

Born: June 12, 1924


Political Party: Republican
Previous Occupation: Businessman, public official

Elected From: Texas
Vice President: J. Danforth Quayle (1989-93)
Cabinet Members: view list

Other Government Positions:
· Member of U.S. House of Representatives, 1967-71
· U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, 1971-72
· Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, 1976-77
· Vice President, 1981-89 (under Reagan)

Inaugural Address: 1989
Biography: view

Presidential Highlights:
· The Gulf War. On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded the oil-rich country of Kuwait. President Bush believed Iraq’s actions were illegal under international law. President Bush organized a United Nations (UN) coalition against Iraq. On August 6, 1990, the UN imposed economic sanctions on Iraq. The Iraqis refused to withdraw from Kuwait. On January 17, 1991, the UN coalition army (the majority being American troops) bombed Iraq. This was followed by a brief ground war. A cease-fire was declared on February 26, 1991, with Iraq withdrawing from Kuwait. The United States had emerged victorious.

· Approved a federal income tax increase to reduce the deficit that threatened the U.S. economy. Despite his efforts, by 1992 the United States was in a deep recession.

· Approved the American with Disabilities Act (banned discrimination against the handicapped, and required owners of facilities to make them accessible to the disabled).

· Approved the North American Free Trade Agreement (created a free market between Canada, Mexico, and the United States). Congress did not approve the agreement until William Jefferson Clinton became president.

Presidential Election:
1988
George Bush426
Michael Dukakis111

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