Summary of the 1990s in America: Bush 41, Clinton, and Post-Cold War Era

George H.W. Bush (Bush 41)

  • Elected in 1988.
  • Often associated with Texas, though Connecticut also tries to claim him.
  • Served as a World War II veteran, attended Yale, became a congressman, UN ambassador, diplomat, CIA director, and vice president.
  • Strong in foreign policy due to experience.
  • Less skilled in domestic policy, which becomes a challenge.
  • Lacked the charisma of Ronald Reagan when running against Bill Clinton.

Collapse of Communism

  • Late 1980s and early 1990s.
  • Tiananmen Square massacre in China.
  • Eastern Bloc countries (Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Hungary) remove communist governments.
  • Example: Polish people changing street names from communist figures to World War II heroes.
  • 1989: Berlin Wall comes down after over 20 years.
    • Symbolic end of the Cold War division.
  • 1990: Germany reunified.
  • 1991: Soviet Union collapses.

Reasons for Soviet Union Collapse

  • Gorbachev's policies of openness, transparency and democracy
  • Nationalistic factions emerge wanting independence (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania).
  • Economic problems: Spending to keep up with the US military and war in Afghanistan.
  • Bush's Handling of the Collapse
    • Avoided victory laps and triumphalism.
    • Focused on helping with a peaceful transition.
  • START I and START II treaties: Decreased nuclear missile stockpiles to 3,000 each.
  • Issue of Soviet nuclear weapons: Most returned to Russia.

Post-Cold War Foreign Policy

  • The US no longer has a clear enemy or guiding principle (like fighting communism).
  • Question: What does US foreign policy look like now that it is the sole superpower?
  • Former rivals (British and French) are weakened.

The Gulf War (1990)

  • Saddam Hussein invades Kuwait for its oil resources.
  • The US forms a coalition of 28 countries and liberates Kuwait.
  • Successful war with few American casualties.
  • Hussein remains in power, which would be addressed later by Bush's son.
  • The war helps the US regain confidence in its military after the Vietnam era.

Domestic Issues and Bush's Downfall

  • The economy becomes Bush's weak point.
  • "Read my lips: No new taxes" promise broken.
  • Bush raises taxes to avoid debt and maintain popular government programs (national defense, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid).
  • This decision hurts his reelection chances.
  • Early 1990s Recession

Divided Government

  • Increase in divided government, making compromise difficult.
  • Debates intensify on issues such as:
    • Abortion: Rights of the mother vs. unborn child.
    • Gun rights: Constitutional right to own guns vs. public safety.
    • Racial issues: LAPD assault on Rodney King.
    • LGBTQ+ rights: "Don't ask, don't tell" policy.
      • Military policy: Gay people can serve if they do not reveal their sexuality.
      • Viewed as a progressive compromise at the time but later seen as less progressive.

Bill Clinton's Election (1992)

  • Charismatic and relatable compared to Bush.
  • Factors contributing to his win:
    • Bush's tax increase.
    • Third-party candidate Ross Perot taking votes from Bush.
    • The image he portrayed as a "cool" guy (playing saxophone).

New Democrats

  • Republicans take control of Congress in 1994.
  • Democrats rebrand as "New Democrats".
  • Still liberal on social issues but more moderate on economic issues.
  • Clinton works with Republicans to deregulate the economy, balance the budget, and reform welfare.
  • This period marks the birth of modern Democrats and Republicans.

Technology and Globalization

  • The World Wide Web and the Internet become prevalent.
  • Increase in globalization and interdependence between countries.
  • Creation of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Association).
    • Eliminates tariffs between the US, Canada, and Mexico.
    • Trade off: Cheaper goods but loss of manufacturing jobs.
  • Creation of the WTO (World Trade Organization) to oversee international trade.
  • Tech boom leads to low unemployment and inflation, but also an increasing wealth gap.
  • By 2007, the wealthiest 1% of Americans own about 35% of the nation's wealth.

Immigration Reform

  • Reforms in the 1960s remove quota systems and prioritize family connections.
  • Increase in immigration from Asia and Latin America.
  • Hispanics become the fastest-growing ethnic group in America (about 20% of the population).
  • Debates about undocumented immigrants and pathways to citizenship increase.

Domestic Terrorism: Oklahoma City Bombing (1995)

  • Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombed by Timothy McVeigh.
  • 168 people killed, 684 injured.
  • McVeigh's Motivations:
    • Anti-government sentiments fueled by events like the FBI assault on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas.
    • Inspired by The Turner Diaries, a fictional book outlining a revolution against the federal government.
  • Largest domestic terrorist act in US history.

Clinton's Foreign Policy

  • Lacking Cold War guidance, foreign policy decisions are mixed.
  • Failed attempt to stabilize Somalia (Black Hawk Down).
  • Failure to act effectively during the Rwandan genocide (800,000 deaths).
  • Clinton adopts a policy of enlargement: Expanding democracy, free markets, and protecting human rights.
  • Focus on a peaceful and united Europe after the Soviet collapse.
  • US helps end ethnic cleansing in Yugoslavia through diplomacy and military intervention (NATO).

Bill Clinton Impeachment

  • Inappropriate relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
  • Clinton and Lewinsky initially deny the affair under oath.
  • Lewinsky's friend reveals the affair and provides evidence (the infamous blue dress with Clinton's bodily fluids).
  • Clinton impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate.

End of the 20th Century

  • Americans optimistic about a strong economy and the US as the global superpower.