14.2 The Presidency of George H. W. Bush and the Gulf War

George H.W. Bush's presidency marked a transition from the Cold War era to a new global landscape. He faced challenges like the Gulf War and economic recession, while achieving foreign policy successes and signing important domestic legislation.

Bush's handling of the Gulf War showcased his multilateral approach to foreign policy. The conflict demonstrated America's military might and ability to build international coalitions, but also raised questions about long-term U.S. involvement in the Middle East.

George H.W. Bush Presidency

Challenges and Achievements

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• George H. W. Bush, the 41st U.S. president, served one term from 1989 to 1993 following his tenure as Vice President under Ronald Reagan
• Bush faced significant foreign policy challenges
  • Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989
  • Collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991
  • Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990
• On the domestic front, Bush signed significant legislation
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, and transportation
  • Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 strengthened air pollution controls and introduced a cap-and-trade system to reduce acid rain-causing emissions

Controversies and Setbacks

• Bush's presidency was marked by a recession in the early 1990s, leading to increased unemployment and economic challenges
• In 1990, Bush faced criticism for reneging on his "no new taxes" pledge by agreeing to a budget deal that included tax increases to address the growing budget deficit
• Bush's nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court in 1991 led to a contentious confirmation process, with allegations of sexual harassment by Anita Hill
  • This sparked a national conversation about sexual harassment and gender equality in the workplace
• Bush struggled to articulate a clear vision for the country's future, leading to his defeat in the 1992 presidential election

The Gulf War

Causes and Coalition Building

• The Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm, began in August 1990 when Iraqi forces, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded and annexed Kuwait
• The United States, under President George H. W. Bush, led a coalition of 35 nations to defend Kuwait and protect Saudi Arabia from potential Iraqi aggression
  • The coalition included countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia
• The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 678, authorizing the use of force against Iraq if it did not withdraw from Kuwait by January 15, 1991

Military Operations and Outcomes

• Following Iraq's failure to comply with the UN resolution, the U.S.-led coalition launched an extensive air campaign against Iraqi targets on January 17, 1991
  • The air campaign targeted Iraqi command and control centers, military infrastructure, and Scud missile launchers
• The ground offensive, known as Operation Desert Sabre, began on February 24, 1991, and lasted only 100 hours before Kuwait was liberated and Iraqi forces were driven back
• The Gulf War resulted in a decisive victory for the U.S.-led coalition, with minimal coalition casualties and significant damage to Iraqi military infrastructure
  • The U.S. suffered 148 combat deaths and 467 wounded
  • Estimates of Iraqi casualties range from 20,000 to 35,000 soldiers killed
• The war demonstrated the effectiveness of advanced military technology, such as precision-guided munitions and stealth aircraft (F-117 Nighthawk)

Consequences and Lessons Learned

• The conflict exposed the limitations of the UN in enforcing international law and the challenges of maintaining a post-war peace in the region
  • Saddam Hussein remained in power, and Iraq faced years of economic sanctions and political isolation
• The Gulf War highlighted the importance of building international coalitions to address global crises and enforce international law
• The war also raised questions about the U.S. role in the Middle East and its long-term strategic interests in the region

Bush's Foreign Policy

Pragmatic Multilateralism

• Bush's foreign policy was characterized by a pragmatic, multilateral approach that emphasized cooperation with allies and international organizations
• Bush successfully navigated the end of the Cold War, overseeing the peaceful reunification of Germany and the dissolution of the Soviet Union
• He played a key role in the signing of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I) with the Soviet Union in 1991, which reduced nuclear arsenals
• Bush's leadership during the Gulf War demonstrated the importance of building international coalitions to address global crises and enforce international law

Trade and Diplomacy

• Bush initiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations with Canada and Mexico, laying the groundwork for increased economic integration in the region
  • NAFTA was signed in 1992 and went into effect in 1994 under President Bill Clinton
• Bush hosted the 1990 Summit of the Americas in Washington, D.C., which brought together leaders from North, Central, and South America to discuss economic cooperation and democratic reforms

Criticisms and Missed Opportunities

• Bush faced criticism for his handling of the Tiananmen Square protests in China in 1989, as he sought to maintain stable relations with the Chinese government
• Some argue that Bush did not provide sufficient support to the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) during their independence movements from the Soviet Union
• Critics contend that Bush's foreign policy approach was too cautious and failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the end of the Cold War to promote democracy and human rights worldwide

Domestic Policies of the Bush Administration

Legislative Achievements

• Bush signed the Immigration Act of 1990, which increased legal immigration quotas and created the Diversity Visa Program to encourage immigration from underrepresented countries
• The National and Community Service Act of 1990 established the Commission on National and Community Service, which promoted volunteerism and laid the groundwork for the AmeriCorps program
• The Civil Rights Act of 1991 strengthened workplace discrimination protections and expanded the rights of plaintiffs in employment discrimination lawsuits

Economic Challenges and Policy Responses

• Bush faced a recession in the early 1990s, with rising unemployment and slow economic growth, which contributed to his declining popularity
  • The unemployment rate rose from 5.3% in 1989 to 7.5% in 1992
• In response to the recession, Bush signed the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 1991, which lowered individual income tax rates and increased the personal exemption
• Bush also signed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, which strengthened the FDIC's role in regulating and supervising banks following the Savings and Loan crisis of the 1980s

Education and Drug Policy

• Bush signed the Excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Act of 1990, which provided grants to improve math and science education at the elementary and secondary levels
• The National Literacy Act of 1991 established the National Institute for Literacy and provided funding for adult literacy programs
• Bush launched the "National Drug Control Strategy" in 1989, which emphasized drug prevention, treatment, and law enforcement efforts
  • The strategy included increased funding for drug education programs (Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E.) and stricter penalties for drug offenses