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George W. Bush

The 43rd president of the United States (2001–2009), known for tax cuts, the War on Terror, and controversial policies.

Jihadist Terrorists

Extremist militants who entered Iraq after the U.S. invasion, aiming to exploit sectarian tensions.

Neoconservative Pundits

Political analysts in Washington who supported the Iraq War, predicting American troops would be welcomed.

Septerber 11, 2001 (9/11) Attacks

A coordinated terrorist attack by Al Qaeda that destroyed the World Trade Center, leading to U.S. foreign policy shifts.

Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) (2001)

A congressional resolution granting the president broad powers to use military force against those responsible for 9/11.

Iraq War (2003-2011)

The U.S. invasion of Iraq justified by claims of weapons of mass destruction and ties to terrorism.

Department of Homeland Security (2002)

A U.S. government agency created to coordinate national security efforts and prevent future terrorist attacks.

Obama’s Affordable Care Act (2010)

A landmark health-care reform law expanding insurance coverage and introducing cost controls, known as 'Obamacare'.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

A Supreme Court ruling allowing unlimited corporate spending in elections, leading to the rise of super-PACs.

Hurricane Katrina (2005)

A devastating hurricane that caused flooding and led to widespread criticism of the federal government's response.

Great Recession (2008)

A severe economic downturn originating from the financial crisis, characterized by high unemployment and slow recovery.

Tea Party Movement

A conservative political movement emerged during Obama’s presidency, opposing government spending and progressive policies.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Russian Election Interference

U.S. intelligence agencies' conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election through hacking and social media disinformation.

2016 Presidential Election

An election where Donald Trump won the presidency against Hillary Clinton despite losing the popular vote.

DACA (2012)

Obama's policy granting temporary relief from deportation to eligible undocumented minors.

Al Qaeda

A terrorist organization founded by Osama bin Laden, responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

Hillary Clinton

Former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, criticized for her email use and her handling of the Benghazi attack.

ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)

A militant extremist organization that seized territory in Iraq and Syria and engaged in acts of terrorism.

Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal (2004)

A controversy where U.S. military personnel tortured Iraqi prisoners, worsening anti-American sentiment.

Edward Snowden

A former CIA and NSA contractor who leaked classified documents revealing government surveillance programs.

Black Lives Matter Movement (2015)

A social movement advocating against police brutality and systemic racism, sparked by high-profile killings of Black individuals.

George W. Bush

The 43rd president of the United States (2001–2009), known for the War on Terror and tax cuts.

John Quincy Adams

The 6th president of the United States (1825–1829) and son of John Adams.

George H.W. Bush

The 41st president of the United States (1989–1993) recognized for his foreign policy and the Gulf War.

Dick Cheney

Vice president under George W. Bush (2001–2009) and a key figure in the Bush administration.

Osama bin Laden

Founder of Al Qaeda, orchestrator of the 9/11 attacks, killed by U.S. forces in 2011.

Taliban

An Islamic fundamentalist group that ruled Afghanistan and provided refuge to Osama bin Laden.

Saddam Hussein

Dictator of Iraq from 1979 to 2003, overthrown in the 2003 U.S. invasion.

Neoconservative Pundits

Political analysts who supported the Iraq War, predicting American troop acceptance.

Sunni Muslims

A major branch of Islam, historically dominant in Iraq under Saddam Hussein.

Shia Muslims

The majority religious group in Iraq, which gained political power post-Saddam.

Jihadist Terrorists

Extremist militants who entered Iraq post-invasion to exploit sectarian tensions.

Al Qaeda

A terrorist organization that moved into Iraq after the U.S. invasion.

President George H.W. Bush (b. 1924–2018)

41st president who chose not to remove Saddam Hussein after the 1991 Gulf War.

John Kerry (b. 1943)

Democratic senator who ran against Bush in the 2004 presidential election.

John G. Roberts (b. 1955)

Appointed Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by Bush in 2005.

Samuel A. Alito, Jr. (b. 1950)

Conservative justice appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by Bush in 2006.

William Rehnquist (1924–2005)

Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1986 until 2005.

Sandra Day O’Connor (b. 1930)

First woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, retired in 2006.

Donald Rumsfeld (1932–2021)

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense who resigned after the 2006 midterm losses.

Nancy Pelosi (b. 1940)

First woman to serve as Speaker of the House after the 2006 elections.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Former First Lady and 2008 presidential candidate.

Joseph Biden

Delaware senator who became the 46th president of the U.S.

John McCain

Republican senator and presidential nominee in 2008.

Sarah Palin

McCain’s running mate in the 2008 presidential election.

Henry Paulson

Treasury Secretary during the 2008 financial crisis, involved in TARP.

Hubert Védrine

French foreign minister who coined 'hyperpower' to describe U.S. dominance.

Donald J. Trump

45th president of the U.S. known for 'America First' policies.

Sonia Sotomayor (b. 1954)

First Hispanic justice appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009.

Elena Kagan (b. 1960)

Appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010.

Barack Obama (b. 1961)

44th president who oversaw military withdrawals and expanded drone warfare.

Hillary Rodham Clinton (b. 1947)

Former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate.

Ronald Reagan

40th U.S. president known for tax and fiscal policies.

Great Recession

Severe economic downturn following the 2008 financial crisis.

Tea Party Movement

Conservative political movement opposing government spending.

Occupy Wall Street (2011)

Protest movement highlighting income inequality.

Black Lives Matter Movement (2015)

Social movement against police brutality and systemic racism.

DACA (2012)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, providing protections for undocumented minors.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage.

Shelby County v. Holder (2013)

Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act.

NSA Surveillance Scandal (2013)

Revelations about government surveillance programs by Edward Snowden.

Immigration Surge (2018)

Foreign-born population in the U.S. exceeded 13%.

Russian Election Interference

U.S. intelligence concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election.

WikiLeaks Email Scandal

Leaks from the Clinton campaign fueling political controversy.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Supreme Court ruling allowing unlimited campaign spending by corporations.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009)

Stimulus package aimed at economic recovery.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (2010)

Healthcare reform law also known as Obamacare.

Dodd-Frank Act (2010)

Financial reform law aimed at preventing another crisis.