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The votes are finally counted – Bush wins!
In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court stops the recount of votes in several contested Florida counties. The Democratic candidate, Vice President Albert Gore Jr., concedes the election, leaving Governor George W. Bush of Texas, the Republican candidate, as President-elect. Read more about the disputed election -
George W. Bush is inaugurated as the 43rd President of the United States.
Holding the office during the most deadly attack on American soil, President George W. Bush (son of former President George H.W. Bush) helped guide America into two “wars” in the Middle East, and a massive economic bailout to help save a floundering economy. The “Reagan Revolution” ideals would continue under George W. Bush’s presidency. -
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George W. Bush Administration
Holding the office during the most deadly attack on American soil, President George W. Bush (son of former President George H.W. Bush) helped guide America into two “wars” in the Middle East, and a massive economic bailout to help save a floundering economy. The “Reagan Revolution” ideals would continue under George W. Bush’s presidency. -
Saddam Hussein, still causing problems (VUS.13e)
United States airplanes attack Iraqi radar sites to enforce a “no-fly zone.” Bush calls the military action a “routine mission.” This is done as part of the UN sanctions against Iraq in response to Iraqi troop movement and alleged weapons construction. -
Really, Bush would have won – but it was CLOSE!
The Miami Herald and USA Today release a comprehensive review of the 2000 presidential election recount efforts in Florida. The review shows that even if Democratic candidate Al Gore had succeeded in getting the recounts he wanted, President Bush would have won Florida by 1,665 votes. -
Reagan Revolution Continues (VUS.15d)
President Bush signs a $1.35 trillion tax cut into law. Although the amount falls short of the $1.60 trillion the administration has been seeking, the bill does slash income tax rates across the board and provides for the gradual elimination of the estate tax. -
Terrorists Attack - A new era begins (VUS.13e)
Terrorists hijack four commercial jets and crash them into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the Pennsylvania countryside. It is the worst attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, with fatalities numbering about 3,000. Addressing the nation twelve hours after the attacks, President Bush vows to hunt down those responsible. MORE on the tragic day -
Diplomatic and Military Actions to Deal with Terrorists (VUS.15f)
President Bush appears before a joint session of Congress to outline the administration’s plans to defeat world terrorism, singling out Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda organization as the primary targets of such a policy. He states that every nation must take sides in the international conflict against worldwide terrorist networks; he also warns Americans to prepare for a protracted campaign against terrorism. -
War in Afghanistan (VUS.13e, 15f)
Speaking from the Treaty Room of the White House, President Bush announces the commencement of military action in Afghanistan, an operation code-named “Enduring Freedom.” This was a direct result of the terrorist attacks on 9/11 – the goal is to root out terrorist cells that are hiding in the mountains of Afghanistan. This “war” would last beyond the Bush presidency. MORE -
The Patriot Act (VUS.15f)
In response to the 9/11 Terrorist Attack, and the increased interest in capturing terrorists before more attacks can be made, Bush signed The Patriot Act. This law allowed agencies of the government greater power to investigate and prosecute suspected terrorists. Criticism for this law is based on the 4th Amendment rights it seems to violate. MORE -
No Child Left Behind
President Bush signs a landmark education reform bill into law. Known as the No Child Left Behind Act, it offers local authorities greater flexibility in spending federal dollars, but requires standardized math and reading tests. NCLB expanded the federal role in public education through annual testing, annual academic progress, report cards, teacher qualifications, and funding changes. MORE -
“The Axis of Evil” (VUS.15f)
In his State of the Union address, President Bush warns that the war against terrorism is only beginning. Specifically citing North Korea, Iran, and Iraq, Bush speaks of “an axis of evil” threatening world peace, setting an agenda of priorities. This will become the new "Cold War" mentality for America. -
Another “War” in Iraq (VUS.13e)
A bipartisan vote of both houses of Congress gives authorization to Bush to use force against Iraq. American forces would mobilize as a result of repeated violations of Saddam Hussein against UN sanctions, the belief he was building and stockpiling weapons of mass destruction, and his potential assistance to terrorist organizations. -
Creation of the Department of Homeland Security (VUS.15f)
To help deal with the new problems of combating terrorism around the world, the Office of Homeland Security (established in September, 2001) gained cabinet status. This Department would help coordinate information across nations, agencies, and levels of government. The Secretary of Homeland Security will coordinate the efforts of more than forty federal agencies to secure the United States against future terrorist attacks. -
Saddam makes the world believe he has stockpiles of WMD’s (VUS.13e)
Following a United Nations report issued by arms inspectors indicating that Iraq remained in violation of Security Council Resolution 1441, Bush speaks out again against Iraq. Inspections in Iraq continue. -
More Tax Cuts – “Reagan Revolution” ideals continue (VUS.15d)
Bush reveals a tax-cut plan of $674 billion over ten years. He suggests that the plan will stimulate the U.S. economy, end the recession, and create jobs. Democrats dismiss the plan as financially irresponsible and favorable to the rich. -
North Korea has “the bomb”!?! (VUS.13e)
CIA director George Tenet announces that North Korea possesses a nuclear ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States. In the following weeks, reports emerge which suggest that North Korea will soon possess the ability to create a nuclear arsenal. This poses a direct threat to the United States, but more of an indirect threat as North Korea could attack Japan or China, our close trade allies. MORE -
Transportation Security Administration – TSA (VUS.15f)
Part of heightened security as a result of the terrorist threat, the Transportation Security Administration, was moved to operating under the Department of Homeland Security. This agency is most visible at airports. TSA tactics have come under criticism as some claim they are too intrusive and violate people’s rights. MORE -
A second war with Iraq (VUS.13e)
After months of debate in the United Nations Security Council, President Bush announces the U.S. intention to move against Iraq with its coalition of allies. Bush issues an ultimatum for military action, giving Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and his sons forty-eight hours to leave Iraq. This military action would last beyond the Bush Administration, but the goal would be to topple the Hussein Regime. MORE -
“Mission Accomplished” – kind of. (VUS.13e)
In a nationally televised address aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, Bush stands in front of a “Mission Accomplished” banner and declares that major combat operations in Iraq are over. He links the Iraq War to the War on Terror and vows to continue searching for banned weapons in Iraq. Even though the Hussein Regime had been toppled, Americans would need to remain in combat. MORE -
Bringing Justice (VSU.13e)
U.S. forces kill Saddam Hussein’s two sons Uday and Qusay in Mosul, Iraq. Both considered perpetrators of horrific atrocities during the Hussein Regime, they were considered military targets. Officials hope that anti-U.S. attacks in Iraq will decrease as a result. Saddam Hussein’s whereabouts are unknown. -
Anyone seen the WMD’s? (VUS.13e)
Chief U.S. Weapons Inspector David Kay reports that his 1,400 member team, the Iraq Survey Group, failed to find any biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons in Iraq. Kay acknowledged that they did find evidence that Iraq sought the capacity to create those weapons in the future. Bush used these findings as validation of his prewar claims that Iraq posed a significant security threat to the United States. -
Saddam Hussein is Captured! (VUS.13e)
The war crimes trial for Saddam Hussein began in October of 2005, the prosecutors sought the death penalty. He was hanged on Dec 30, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq, after being convicted of crimes against humanity dating back to 1982. This did not stop the fighting in Iraq, as competing factions fought for control of the government – American forces remained as “peacekeepers”. MORE -
Violence continued in Iraq (VSU.13e)
U.S. forces in Iraq confront a violent uprising beginning with Shiite Muslims in Baghdad and spreading to Sunni guerrillas in Fallujah, leading to the heaviest fighting since the invasion began in March of 2003. -
Bush wins a second term
with 51 percent of the popular vote. -
Fighting in Iraq continues (VUS.13e)
U.S. troops launch an assault to retake the rebel-controlled city of Fallujah in the largest military operation since the initial invasion in March of 2003. -
Diversity in the Cabinet
Retired Army general and Secretary of State Colin Powell resigns as Secretary of State, the highest position held by an African-American in the executive branch. Bush appoints former National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice to the position, an African-America woman! -
Katrina, FEMA, and Bush
Hurricane Katrina strikes the southern coast of the United States with devastating effects. The storm breaches the levee system in New Orleans, causing massive flooding and destruction of property. The Bush administration is harshly criticized for an inadequate response by the federal government to the storm’s destruction. FEMA is believed to be responsible for the complete failure in the federal government’s response. -
Ousting Hussein was the easy part (VUS.13e)
Building a democratic government in a region such as Iraq would prove to be very difficult. In a White House news conference, President Bush admits for the first time that the complete removal of U.S. troops from Iraq during the remainder of his term is improbable. He continues to assert the fact that progress is being made in the establishment of Iraqi democracy. -
The Illegal Immigration Problem (VUS.15b)
President Bush signs a bill providing for the construction of a 700-mile fence along the United States-Mexico border, in an effort to increase border security and stem illegal immigration. Illegal immigrants are believed to be a strain on government services and a source of criminal activity. -
It’s not over! (VUS.13e)
Bush announces what would be termed a “troop surge” in Iraq in an attempt to increase security in the capital of Baghdad and smother insurgency centers throughout the country. -
Economic Crisis – the housing bubble bursts (VUS.15e)
President Bush proposed a $145 billion stimulus package in response to a housing crisis and rapidly increasing oil prices. The Senate passes a $170-billion stimulus package to give many. The package gives individuals several hundred dollars to facilitate spending, as well as rebates for children and tax deductions for businesses in order to jump-start the slowing economy. MORE -
Never found those WMD’s (VUS.13e)
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence finds, after a five-year study, that President Bush and other officials greatly exaggerated the evidence showing that Saddam Hussein held weapons of mass destruction. – the Bush administration now looks like Johnson and Nixon from Vietnam, popularity diminished quickly. -
Great Victory Strategy – Terrible Exit Strategy (VUS.13e)
In a new report issued on the situation in Iraq, the U.S. Army admits that while it was able to adequately topple Hussein’s regime, it did not have the capability to rebuild Iraq into a fully-functioning new country. -
Too Big to Fail – the Bailouts begin! (VUS.15e)
At the onset of financial crisis, President Bush signs a $700 billion bailout plan for failing bank assets, the largest in U.S. history. Known as the Troubled Asset Relief Program, this was the beginning of several bills designed to stop the failure of banks. Read MORE -
Barack Obama is elected the next President of the United States
In an historic election in which Democrats win in several traditionally Republican states and pick up seats in the House and Senate. Obama is the first African American elected President. MORE on this historic election -
More Bailouts (VUS.15e)
The Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve agree to provide another $800 billion in lending programs to buy debt insured by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and to provide more small loans to consumers. This was the most expensive bailout to private companies, the move was intended to prevent deepening of the banking crisis. Read MORE -
The Federal Reserve Takes Action (VUS.15e)
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates to an all-time low of zero percent, down from 1 percent and 0.25 percent earlier in the year as part of a plan to stimulate the economy. The Federal Reserves can speed the economy by lowering interest rates, or slow the economy by raising interest rates. Read MORE on how the Fed works. -
Even More Bailouts (VUS.15e)
President Bush issues a $17.4-billion auto bailout to General Motors and Chrysler to keep the two American automotive giants from going bankrupt. There were certainly strings attached to these bailouts, including the requirement that this money would be paid back. Saving America’s auto industry was considered essential to protect thousands of jobs and the economy. MORE
