BushYEars (9Os)

The BUSH Years COR

Overview of the 1988 Elections

  • Candidates: George Bush (Republican, Reagan's Vice President) vs. Michael Dukakis (Democratic, Governor of Massachusetts) labeled as 'liberal'.

  • Campaign Dynamics:

    • Significant use of television advertising, with a focus on negative campaigning and racist advertisements.

    • Favorable economic conditions and a stable international stage contributed to Bush's appeal.

  • Key Events:

    • Scandal involving Democratic candidate Gary Hart (adultery allegations) led to his withdrawal.

  • Results:

    • Bush secured 54% of the popular vote and 79% of the electoral college.

    • Vice President selected: Dan Quayle.

  • Congress: Maintained a Democratic majority.

Background on George Bush Senior

  • Family: Comes from an affluent political and business family in Massachusetts.

  • Military Service: Joined the Army at age 18, becoming the youngest pilot in the U.S. Navy during WWII, serving in the Pacific.

  • Education: Attended Yale University, affiliated with Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and Skull and Bones secret society.

Skull and Bones Society

  • Membership: Predominantly consists of members from prestigious American families (e.g., Rockefeller, Taft, and others).

  • Influence:

    • Act as a bridge to significant political and intelligence roles (CIA, Supreme Court, etc.).

    • Sociologist Rick Fantasia's viewpoint: it serves as an elite network influencing top institutions.

Early Political Career

  • Petroleum Industry: Founded an oil company in Texas.

  • Political Positions:

    • Elected as Republican Representative for Texas in 1966.

    • Served as UN Ambassador, U.S. envoy to China, and CIA Director.

    • Served two terms as Vice President under Ronald Reagan.

Economic Climate and Globalization of the 1990s

  • Perception of Government: Critique of big government and welfare; advocacy for free-market policies.

  • Era of Globalization: Characterized by increased international cooperation and economic integration.

Historical Context: Helsinki Accords (1975)

  • Ratified agreements emphasized:

    • Human rights protection.

    • Freedom of thought, belief, and movement.

Political Changes in Eastern Europe

  • Pro-Democracy Movements: Ongoing protests throughout 1989, leading to significant political shifts.

  • Key Events:

    • Berlin Wall falls on November 9, 1989.

    • Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, leading to democratic reforms.

    • Collapse of Communist rule in Eastern Europe and Germany's reunification by 1990.

Gorbachev's Reforms

  • Policies Introduced:

    • Glasnost: Economic restructuring aimed at openness.

    • Perestroika: Promoted political openness in the USSR leading to reforms.

Bush-Gorbachev Relations

  • Summits: Conducted meetings in 1989 and 1990 that solidified U.S.-USSR relations.

  • 1990 Milestones:

    • Baltic States declared independence from the USSR.

The End of the USSR (1991)

  • Key Events:

    • Boris Yeltsin's role in the military coup in 1991 to restore Gorbachev.

    • Declaration of independence of Russia and 14 nations from the USSR.

    • U.S.'s financial support of $24 billion to facilitate the transition.

Transition to a New World Order

  • Global Capitalism Emergence: Post-Cold War shift toward a worldwide capitalist system.

  • U.S. Military Interventions:

    • U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989, criticized for high civilian casualties.

  • Social Developments::

    • Nelson Mandela's release in 1990 and subsequent end of apartheid in South Africa by 1994.

The First Gulf War

  • Conflict: Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, leading to Operation Desert Storm in Feb 1991.

  • Coalition Forces: Consisted of 34 nations with U.N. support; highlighted U.S. military superiority post-Cold War.

  • Impact on Bush's Popularity: Bush's approval ratings soared to 89%; however, Saddam Hussein remained in power.

Political and Military Leadership

  • Key Figures: Colin Powell, General Schwartzkopf, and policy strategies coordinated by Wolfowitz as Deputy Secretary of Defense.

  • Troop Demobilization: February 27, 1991.

War Powers and U.S. Military Interventions

  • Legal Framework: The 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) - basis for ongoing military interventions.

  • Implications: Vague language in AUMFs has allowed administrations to justify military actions.

Legislative Developments

  • Congressional Action: In March 2023, a Senate proposal passed to repeal 1991 and 2002 AUMFs, suggesting a shift toward tighter control over military actions.

Perspectives on U.S. Global Role

  • Divergent Views:

    • General Colin Powell: Advocated for clear objectives and withdrawal timelines in military actions.

    • Dick Cheney: Believed in U.S. maintaining dominance as the sole superpower abroad.

Globalization Trends of the Early 1990s

  • Economic Power: U.S. established as the first world power, leading in various sectors.

  • OSCE Summit: Marked the formal end of the Cold War, promoting democracy and cooperation in global governance.

  • Social Issues: Concerns arose regarding the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Global Trade Developments

  • WTO Formation: Established in 1999, promoting free trade among member nations, facing backlash from anti-globalization protests.

Economic Inequalities and Social Policies

  • Economic Trends: Rising poverty rates and economic instability (e.g., recession in 1991).

    • Discrepancies in income levels highlighted social inequalities.

Social and Political Challenges

  • Poverty Statistics:

    • 1987: 20% of children in poverty; by mid-1990s, significant increases in inequality evidenced.

  • Political Division within Republican Party: Diverging stances on civil rights, unemployment benefits, and abortion policies with notable Supreme Court rulings.