George H. W. Bush (41st U.S. President)

President Details

President Number: 41
Years in Office: 1989 - 1993
Term Dates: January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993
Political Party: Republican
Vice President(s): Dan Quayle

Legacy Summary

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.

Notable Actions

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

Timeline Entries

Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.

Showing 12 of 136 entries.

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U.S.-Soviet Co‑Sponsored Madrid Peace Conference Concludes

November 1, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

U.S.-Soviet Co‑Sponsored Madrid Peace Conference Concludes

The Madrid Peace Conference, co‑sponsored by the United States and the Soviet Union to begin Israeli‑Arab and Israeli‑Palestinian peace talks, concluded on November 1, 1991 after three days of multinational negotiations.

Madrid Peace Conference on the Middle East opens with U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State James Baker

October 30, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

Madrid Peace Conference on the Middle East opens with U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State James Baker

The Madrid Peace Conference, co-sponsored by the United States and the Soviet Union and carrying the Bush administration's diplomatic backing, opened in Madrid on October 30, 1991, with the U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State James Baker.

Clarence Thomas sworn in as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

October 23, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Judicial

Clarence Thomas sworn in as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

Following his Senate confirmation on October 15, Clarence Thomas took the judicial oath and was formally installed as an Associate Justice on October 23, 1991.

Senate confirms Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court

October 15, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Judicial

Senate confirms Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court

The U.S. Senate confirmed President George H. W. Bush’s nominee Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court by a 52–48 vote, installing him as an Associate Justice.

Senate Judiciary Committee deadlocks 7–7 and forwards Clarence Thomas nomination without recommendation

October 11, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Judicial

Senate Judiciary Committee deadlocks 7–7 and forwards Clarence Thomas nomination without recommendation

After Anita Hill's testimony, the Senate Judiciary Committee split 7–7 and voted to send Clarence Thomas's Supreme Court nomination to the full Senate without a recommendation.

Anita Hill testifies during Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings

October 11, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Scandal

Anita Hill testifies during Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings

Anita Hill testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee alleging that Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas had sexually harassed her while they worked together.

Military Coup Overthrows Haitian President Jean‑Bertrand Aristide; Bush Condemns the Takeover

September 30, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Crisis Response

Military Coup Overthrows Haitian President Jean‑Bertrand Aristide; Bush Condemns the Takeover

On September 30, 1991, Haitian military leaders ousted President Jean‑Bertrand Aristide in a coup, and President George H. W. Bush publicly condemned the overthrow and called for a return to democratic rule.

George H. W. Bush Delivers U.S. Address to the United Nations General Assembly

September 24, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

George H. W. Bush Delivers U.S. Address to the United Nations General Assembly

President Bush addressed the 46th UN General Assembly in New York, outlining U.S. positions on post–Cold War security, arms reductions, and support for emerging democracies.

George H. W. Bush Launches 1992 Re-election Campaign

September 11, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Election / Transition

George H. W. Bush Launches 1992 Re-election Campaign

President Bush formally announced the launch of his campaign for re-election to the presidency and began organizing campaign operations for 1992.

Senate Judiciary Committee Opens Confirmation Hearings for Clarence Thomas

September 10, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Judicial

Senate Judiciary Committee Opens Confirmation Hearings for Clarence Thomas

The Senate Judiciary Committee began public confirmation hearings on President Bush’s Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas.

U.S. Recognizes Independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

September 6, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

U.S. Recognizes Independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

President George H. W. Bush announced that the United States would recognize the independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from the Soviet Union.

Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR declares independence

August 24, 1991 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR declares independence

On August 24, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR adopted a Declaration of Independence, asserting Ukraine's sovereignty from the Soviet Union.

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