The Modern World, H.W. Bush to Trump - Ch. 39 & 40

Michael Dukakis

The Governor of Massachusetts who was the Democratic nominee for President in 1988. He lost the election to George H.W. Bush."

Dan Quayle

The 44th Vice President of the United States, serving under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1993. He was known for his numerous gaffes and public misstatements."

“Read my lips—no new taxes”

A famous pledge made by George H.W. Bush during his 1988 presidential campaign, promising not to raise taxes. He later broke this promise, which contributed to his loss in the 1992 election."

Tiananmen Square

A public square in Beijing, China, where pro-democracy protests were brutally suppressed by the Chinese government in 1989. The crackdown resulted in numerous deaths and widespread international condemnation."

Breakup of Soviet Union 1990

The dissolution of the Soviet Union into 15 independent republics, officially occurring in 1991. It marked the end of the Cold War and the emergence of new democratic nations."

Boris Yeltsin

The first President of the Russian Federation, serving from 1991 to 1999. He played a key role in the transition from Soviet rule to a market economy."

START I & II (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty)

Treaties between the United States and the Soviet Union (later Russia) aimed at reducing and limiting strategic offensive arms. START I was signed in 1991, and START II in 1993."

Manuel Noriega

The military leader of Panama from 1983 to 1989. He was removed from power by a U.S. invasion and later convicted of drug trafficking."

Invasion of Panama

A 1989 U.S. military operation that aimed to depose Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. The invasion restored democratic governance to Panama."

Persian Gulf War

A conflict in 1990-1991 in which a coalition of countries, led by the United States, expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait. It was sparked by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait."

Saddam Hussein

The President of Iraq from 1979 to 2003. He was known for his authoritarian rule and was deposed during the Iraq War."

Kuwait

A small Gulf country invaded by Iraq in 1990, leading to the Persian Gulf War. The invasion prompted international military intervention to liberate Kuwait."

Desert Storm

The code name for the combat phase of the Persian Gulf War in 1991. It involved a massive U.S.-led air and ground assault to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation."

Norman Schwarzkopf

The U.S. Army general who commanded coalition forces during the Persian Gulf War. He played a key role in planning and executing Operation Desert Storm."

Americans with Disabilities Act 1990

A U.S. law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. It aims to ensure equal rights and accessibility for people with disabilities."

Rodney King

An African American man whose 1991 beating by Los Angeles police officers was captured on video, sparking outrage. The acquittal of the officers involved led to the LA Riots in 1992."

LA Riots

A series of violent protests and civil unrest in Los Angeles in 1992, triggered by the acquittal of police officers in the Rodney King beating case. The riots resulted in widespread destruction and numerous deaths."

Exxon Valdez

An oil tanker that spilled millions of gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, Alaska, in 1989. The spill caused significant environmental damage and spurred changes in regulations."

27th Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1992, that prohibits any law that increases or decreases the salary of members of Congress from taking effect until the next election. It was originally proposed in 1789."

William Jefferson Clinton

The 42nd President of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001. His presidency was marked by economic prosperity and political scandals, including impeachment."

Ross Perot

A billionaire businessman who ran as an independent candidate for President in 1992 and 1996. He is known for his focus on fiscal issues and his influence on the political landscape."

Albert Gore

The 45th Vice President of the United States, serving under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001. He ran for President in 2000 but lost to George W. Bush in a controversial election."

Filibuster

A parliamentary procedure used in the U.S. Senate to extend debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill. It allows a minority of senators to block legislation by speaking indefinitely."

Brady Handgun Bill (Brady Bill)

A U.S. law passed in 1993 that mandated federal background checks on firearm purchasers. It was named after James Brady, who was wounded in the attempted assassination of President Reagan."

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) ‘93

A trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico that took effect in 1994. It aimed to eliminate trade barriers and increase economic cooperation among the three countries."

Newt Gingrich

The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. He led the Republican 'Contract with America' initiative and was a key figure in the conservative movement."

Contract with America

A legislative agenda proposed by the Republican Party during the 1994 congressional election campaign. It aimed to implement conservative policies and reform government."

Monica Lewinsky

A former White House intern who had an affair with President Bill Clinton. The scandal led to Clinton's impeachment by the House of Representatives."

1993 World Trade Center Bombing

A terrorist attack in which a truck bomb exploded in the parking garage of the World Trade Center in New York City. The bombing killed six people and injured over a thousand."

Oklahoma City Bombing, 1995

A domestic terrorist attack in which a truck bomb exploded outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The bombing killed 168 people and injured hundreds."

Timothy McVeigh

The perpetrator of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. He was convicted and executed for his role in the attack."

Columbine

A high school in Littleton, Colorado, where two students carried out a mass shooting in 1999. The attack resulted in the deaths of 13 people and sparked a national debate on gun control and school safety."

Matthew Shepard

A gay college student who was brutally murdered in Wyoming in 1998. His death brought national attention to hate crimes and led to the passage of hate crime legislation."

Kyoto Protocol

An international treaty adopted in 1997 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It was the first agreement to set binding targets for industrialized countries to combat climate change."

Condoleezza Rice

The U.S. Secretary of State from 2005 to 2009, and the first African American woman to hold the position. She was a key advisor to President George W. Bush on foreign policy."

Family and Medical Leave Act

A U.S. law passed in 1993 that provides employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons. It aims to balance the demands of the workplace with the needs of families."

Bob Dole

A U.S. Senator and the Republican candidate for President in 1996. He is known for his long career in public service and his leadership in the Senate."

Whitewater Real Estate Deal

A real estate investment scandal involving Bill and Hillary Clinton. The investigation into the deal eventually led to the broader Whitewater controversy and investigations."

Clinton Impeachment

The impeachment of President Bill Clinton by the House of Representatives in 1998 on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. He was acquitted by the Senate and remained in office."

Madeleine Albright

The first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State, holding the position from 1997 to 2001. She played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Clinton administration."

Janet Reno

The first woman to serve as U.S. Attorney General, holding the position from 1993 to 2001. She oversaw several high-profile cases and controversies during her tenure."

Somalia, 1993

A U.S. military operation in Somalia aimed at providing humanitarian aid and stabilizing the country. It is best known for the 'Black Hawk Down' incident, where 18 U.S. soldiers were killed in a firefight."

Yugoslavia

A former country in the Balkans that dissolved in the 1990s. The breakup led to several conflicts and the creation of new independent states, including Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina."

South Africa

A country located at the southern tip of Africa, known for its diverse culture and history of apartheid. It transitioned to democracy in 1994 under the leadership of Nelson Mandela."

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia, serving multiple terms since 1999. He is known for his centralization of power and assertive foreign policies."

Slobodan Milosevic, Ethnic Cleansing

The former President of Serbia and Yugoslavia, known for his role in the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. He was charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity, including ethnic cleansing."

Nuclear Proliferation

The spread of nuclear weapons and technology to countries that do not already possess them. It poses a significant threat to global security and stability."

Globalization

The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, driven by trade, investment, technology, and cultural exchange. It has both positive and negative impacts on economies and societies."

WTO (World Trade Organization)

An international organization that regulates global trade and ensures that trade flows smoothly and predictably. It was established in 1995 and has 164 member countries."

World Bank

An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to countries for development projects. Its goal is to reduce poverty and support sustainable development."

European Union (EU), Euro

A political and economic union of 27 European countries that are committed to regional integration. The euro is the common currency used by 19 of the EU member states."

Group of Seven (G-7), G-8

An organization of seven major advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Russia was a member until 2014, making it the G-8."

Election of 2000, Bush v. Gore

The U.S. presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, marked by a controversial and close vote count in Florida. The Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore effectively awarded the presidency to Bush."

No Child Left Behind

A U.S. education reform law enacted in 2001 that aimed to improve student achievement and accountability. It mandated standardized testing and increased federal oversight of schools."

Enron

An American energy company that collapsed in 2001 due to widespread accounting fraud. The scandal led to significant financial losses and regulatory changes."

1998 – Kenya/Tanzania Embassy Bombing

Terrorist attacks on U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, by Al Qaeda. The bombings killed over 200 people and highlighted the growing threat of global terrorism."

September 11, 2001

A series of coordinated terrorist attacks by Al Qaeda on the United States, targeting the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and led to the War on Terror."

Axis of Evil

A term used by President George W. Bush in 2002 to describe governments that he accused of sponsoring terrorism and seeking weapons of mass destruction. The term specifically referred to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea."

General Colin Powell

A retired four-star general in the U.S. Army and the first African American Secretary of State. He played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the early 2000s."

Osama bin Laden

The founder and leader of the terrorist group Al Qaeda, responsible for the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. He was killed by U.S. forces in 2011."

Al Qaeda

A global terrorist organization founded by Osama bin Laden. It is responsible for numerous attacks, including the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States."

Taliban

An Islamist militant group that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and has continued to fight against the Afghan government and its allies. The group is known for its strict interpretation of Islamic law."

War on Terror

A global military campaign launched by the United States in response to the September 11, 2001, attacks. It aims to eliminate terrorist organizations and prevent future attacks."

USS Cole in Yemen

A U.S. Navy destroyer that was attacked by Al Qaeda suicide bombers in the port of Aden, Yemen, in 2000. The attack killed 17 sailors and injured 39 others."

USA Patriot Act

A U.S. law passed in 2001 to enhance law enforcement's ability to combat terrorism. It expanded surveillance powers and increased penalties for terrorist activities."

War in Afghanistan

A conflict that began in 2001 with the U.S.-led invasion to dismantle Al Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. It became America's longest-running war."

Department of Homeland Security

A U.S. federal agency created in 2002 to coordinate national efforts to protect against terrorism and respond to natural disasters. It oversees agencies such as FEMA and the TSA."

Iraq War

A conflict that began in 2003 with the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein. The war led to years of instability and conflict in the region."

Election of 2004

The U.S. presidential election in which incumbent President George W. Bush defeated Democratic challenger John Kerry. The election was influenced by issues such as the Iraq War and national security."

Election of 2008

The U.S. presidential election in which Democrat Barack Obama defeated Republican John McCain. Obama became the first African American president of the United States."

Election of 2012, 2016

2012: Barack Obama was re-elected, defeating Republican Mitt Romney. 2016: Donald Trump won the presidency, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton in a highly contentious election."

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

A U.S. government agency responsible for coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts. It came under criticism for its handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005."

Abu Ghraib

A prison in Iraq where U.S. soldiers were found to have abused and tortured detainees in 2003. The scandal damaged the reputation of the United States and led to calls for accountability."

Hurricane Katrina

A devastating hurricane that struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The federal government's slow response to the disaster was heavily criticized."

Housing Bubble

A period of rapid increase in housing prices, followed by a sharp decline. The burst of the housing bubble contributed to the financial crisis of 2008."

Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

A U.S. law that authorized the Treasury to purchase troubled assets and inject capital into banks. It aimed to stabilize the financial system during the 2008 economic crisis."

Real Estate Collapse

The sharp decline in housing prices and increase in foreclosures that occurred in the late 2000s. It was a key factor in the global financial crisis of 2008."

Hillary Clinton

A former U.S. Secretary of State, Senator, and First Lady. She was the Democratic nominee for President in 2016 but lost to Donald Trump."

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. He was the first African American president and implemented major policies such as the Affordable Care Act."

John McCain

A U.S. Senator and the Republican candidate for President in 2008. He was a Vietnam War veteran and known for his independent stance on various issues."

Sarah Palin

The Governor of Alaska and the Republican vice-presidential candidate in 2008. She was known for her conservative views and charismatic public persona."

Growth of Technology

The rapid advancement and widespread adoption of digital technologies in recent decades. It has transformed industries, communication, and daily life."

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

A U.S. law that provided stimulus funds to help the economy recover from the Great Recession. It included investments in infrastructure, education, and renewable energy."

“Obamacare”

A nickname for the Affordable Care Act, a U.S. law passed in 2010 to expand healthcare coverage and reduce costs. It aimed to provide affordable health insurance to millions of Americans."

Trump

The 45th President of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. He is known for his unconventional political style and policies on immigration, trade, and foreign relations."

Joe Biden

The 46th President of the United States, serving since 2021. He previously served as Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017."