George H. W. Bush was the 41st president of the United States, serving from January 20, 1989, to January 20, 1993. A Republican and former vice president under Ronald Reagan, he led U.S. foreign policy through the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.
Bush’s presidency is remembered chiefly for its foreign policy: he guided U.S. diplomacy during the collapse of the Soviet bloc, helped manage German reunification, and assembled an international coalition that liberated Kuwait in the 1990–91 Gulf War.
On the domestic front he signed major laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments, but his acceptance of a 1990 budget deal that raised taxes despite a campaign pledge hurt his political standing and contributed to his 1992 reelection defeat.
Led international coalition in the 1990–91 Gulf War to liberate Kuwait; Guided U.S. diplomacy during the end of the Cold War and German reunification; Signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law (1990); Signed the Clean Air Act Amendments (1990); Agreed to a 1990 budget deal that included tax increases despite a campaign pledge
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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John H. Sununu took office as White House Chief of Staff on January 20, 1989, overseeing the White House staff and daily operations for the new administration.
On his inauguration day, George H. W. Bush named Brent Scowcroft as his National Security Advisor, and Scowcroft assumed the post immediately.
George H. W. Bush was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States and delivered his inaugural address on the U.S. Capitol steps.
A joint session of Congress met on January 6, 1989 to count and certify the Electoral College votes from the 1988 presidential election, formally confirming George H. W. Bush's victory.