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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United Nations Security Council adopts Resolution 662 condemning Iraq’s annexation of Kuwait

August 9, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

United Nations Security Council adopts Resolution 662 condemning Iraq’s annexation of Kuwait

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 662, declaring Iraq’s annexation of Kuwait null and void and calling for the withdrawal of Iraqi forces, a measure supported by the Bush administration.

Iraq proclaims annexation of Kuwait and declares it a province of Iraq

August 8, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

Iraq proclaims annexation of Kuwait and declares it a province of Iraq

Iraqi authorities announced the formal annexation of Kuwait, declaring it the 19th province of Iraq, a move immediately condemned by President Bush and other world leaders.

President Bush orders deployment of U.S. forces to Saudi Arabia, initiating Operation Desert Shield

August 7, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Military Action

President Bush orders deployment of U.S. forces to Saudi Arabia, initiating Operation Desert Shield

President Bush directed the deployment of U.S. military forces to Saudi Arabia to deter further Iraqi aggression against neighboring states, marking the start of Operation Desert Shield.

United Nations adopts comprehensive sanctions on Iraq (UNSC Resolution 661); U.S. moves to enforce them

August 6, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

United Nations adopts comprehensive sanctions on Iraq (UNSC Resolution 661); U.S. moves to enforce them

The U.N. Security Council adopted Resolution 661 imposing broad economic sanctions on Iraq, and the Bush administration implemented measures to enforce the sanctions against Baghdad.

United Nations Security Council adopts Resolution 660 demanding Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait

August 2, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

United Nations Security Council adopts Resolution 660 demanding Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 660 demanding that Iraq immediately withdraw its forces from Kuwait and calling for the release of foreign nationals and an end to hostilities.

Iraq invades Kuwait; President Bush condemns the aggression

August 2, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Crisis Response

Iraq invades Kuwait; President Bush condemns the aggression

Iraqi forces invaded and occupied Kuwait, and President George H. W. Bush publicly condemned the invasion and called for Kuwait’s immediate restoration.

Signs Americans with Disabilities Act into law

July 26, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Legislation

Signs Americans with Disabilities Act into law

President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

Nominates David H. Souter to the U.S. Supreme Court

July 25, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Judicial

Nominates David H. Souter to the U.S. Supreme Court

Bush nominated New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter to the U.S. Supreme Court to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice William J. Brennan Jr.

United States recognizes the newly unified Republic of Yemen

May 22, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

United States recognizes the newly unified Republic of Yemen

After North and South Yemen unified on May 22, 1990, President George H. W. Bush announced U.S. recognition of the Republic of Yemen.

Hubble Space Telescope launched into orbit aboard STS-31

April 24, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Domestic Policy

Hubble Space Telescope launched into orbit aboard STS-31

NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-31) launched and deployed the Hubble Space Telescope into low Earth orbit on April 24, 1990.

Bush welcomes East Germany's first free parliamentary elections

March 18, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

Bush welcomes East Germany's first free parliamentary elections

On March 18, 1990, East Germany (the GDR) held its first free parliamentary elections; the White House issued a statement praising the peaceful vote and urging prompt negotiations on German reunification and European security arrangements.

President Bush welcomes Nelson Mandela's release from prison

February 11, 1990 • George H. W. Bush

Foreign Policy

President Bush welcomes Nelson Mandela's release from prison

On February 11, 1990, President George H. W. Bush issued a public statement welcoming Nelson Mandela's release from prison and urged continued negotiations to dismantle apartheid in South Africa.

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