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George H. W. Bush

41st President of the United States

George H. W. Bush, a Republican, served as the 41st president of the United States from 1989 to 1993. He played a key role in the reunification of Germany, presided over the Gulf War, and signed the North American Free Trade Agreement. Bush also championed bipartisan legislation and appointed justices to the Supreme Court.

Related

George W. Bush George Washington Harry S. Truman Bill Clinton Gerald Ford Saddam Hussein Iraq War Gulf War Hillary Clinton Ronald Reagan

Timeline

Birth of George H.W. Bush

George H.W. Bush is born on June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts to Prescott Bush and Dorothy Walker Bush.

Meeting Barbara Pierce

A few weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, George H.W. Bush meets Barbara Pierce at a Christmas dance.

Enlistment in the Navy during World War II

He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served until September 1945.

Shot down by Japanese fire and rescued

On September 2, 1944, his plane was shot down by Japanese fire, and he was rescued by a submarine a short time later.

Graduated from Yale University

George H. W. Bush completed an undergraduate degree in economics on an accelerated program that allowed him to graduate by 1948. He was active and involved on campus, playing baseball and eventually becoming captain of the team. He was also a member of the Skull and Bones society, an exclusive secret society on campus.

Co-founding of Zapata Petroleum

In 1952, George H. W. Bush co-founds Zapata Petroleum, while his father, Prescott Bush, gets elected to the U.S. Senate from Connecticut.

George H. W. Bush supports Civil Rights Bill of 1968

In 1968, George H. W. Bush supported the Civil Rights Bill of 1968, which outlawed discrimination in housing. This was a courageous vote for a congressman from Texas.

Appointment as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

In 1976, he was named Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Iran-Contra affair

The Iran-Contra affair was a political scandal during the Reagan administration, involving the selling of arms to Iran to free hostages and using the money to buy weapons for the Contras in Nicaragua. This violated U.S. policy and laws, leading to resignations of several officials.

Announces Presidential Candidacy

In 1987, George H. W. Bush announced his candidacy for the presidency of the United States.

Acceptance of Republican Nomination

On August 18, 1988, George H.W. Bush accepted the nomination at the Republican convention with the famous phrase 'Read my lips: no new taxes.'

Election Victory

On November 8, 1988, George H.W. Bush won the presidential election, defeating Michael Dukakis with 79% of the electoral vote and 53% of the popular vote.

Bush Inaugurated

On January 20, 1989, George H. W. Bush was inaugurated as the 41st President of the United States, marking the beginning of his presidency.

George H. W. Bush Inauguration

George H. W. Bush was inaugurated as the 41st President of the United States.

Bush Condemns China’s Actions

Following the Tiananmen Square Massacre, President Bush condemned China's actions in using military force to suppress the pro-democracy movement. This condemnation reflected the international outrage and concern over the violent crackdown.

Fall of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall, a symbol of the Cold War, fell, marking a significant moment in history. President Bush acknowledged the march of democracy and the changing world.

The fall of the Berlin Wall

The dismantling of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of communism and the Cold War era, leading to a significant shift in global geopolitics.

United States invades Panama and captures Manuel Noriega

On December 20, 1989, the United States invaded Panama and captured dictator Manuel Noriega, bringing him to the U.S. to stand trial for drug-trafficking.

Arms Reduction Agreement Signed

At a summit meeting in Washington, D.C., President Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev sign the broadest arms reduction agreement in two decades. The agreement stipulates that the United States and the Soviet Union scrap 25 percent and 40 percent of their respective nuclear stockpiles.

Americans with Disabilities Act Signed

President Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act, which affects over 43 million Americans and forbids discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and transportation.

Iraq Invades Kuwait

On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War and a series of international conflicts.

Meeting with Gorbachev in Finland

On September 9, 1990, George H. W. Bush met with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in Finland to issue a joint declaration, marking an important event in the history of US-Soviet relations.

Increase in U.S. forces in the Gulf

President Bush announces a doubling of the number of U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf to ensure an adequate offensive military option. The decision faces immediate criticism on Capitol Hill, prompting the administration to seek a U.N. resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq.

Condemnation of Soviet intervention in democratic uprisings in Lithuania and Latvia

On January 13, 1991, condemnation of Soviet intervention in democratic uprisings in Lithuania and Latvia was expressed.

Address to the Nation on Persian Gulf military action (“Desert Storm”)

On January 16, 1991, an address to the nation on Persian Gulf military action, also known as “Desert Storm,” was delivered.

Operation Desert Storm

The United States and its allies initiate a military operation to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait, starting with air and naval attacks and later a ground assault. A cease-fire is declared 100 hours after the ground assault begins.

After weeks of air and missile bombardment, the 100-hour land battle dubbed Desert Storm routed Iraq’s million-man army, marking a significant military and diplomatic triumph for George H. W. Bush.

Signing of START-I Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty

President Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev meet in Moscow to sign a nuclear arms reduction treaty (START-I) which requires significant reductions in the number of nuclear warheads in their respective arsenals.

End of the Cold War

The Cold War, which lasted for 40 years, came to an end with the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall. President Bush supported reformist President Mikhail Gorbachev and emphasized the importance of democracy.

Signing of Civil Rights Act of 1991

President Bush signs the Civil Rights Act of 1991, which aims to make it easier for employees to sue employers on grounds of discrimination.

Bush Meets With Yeltsin

President Bush and Russian president Boris Yeltsin meet at Camp David to discuss U.S.-Russian relations and officially declare the end of the Cold War.

Bush Wins New Hampshire Primary

President Bush emerges victorious in the New Hampshire primary but faces a strong challenge from conservative media personality Patrick Buchanan, revealing a division within the Republican Party.

Soviet Union Aid Plan Announced

President Bush announces a $24 billion aid plan aimed at fostering democratic and free market reforms in the former Soviet Union.

Nuclear Arms Reduction Agreement

President signs a significant agreement aimed at reducing nuclear arms, marking a crucial step towards global security and peace.

Republican Party Nomination Acceptance

The U.S. President accepted the nomination by the Republican Party for a second term.

1992 United States Presidential Election

Republican candidate loses to Democratic Candidate Bill Clinton, receiving only 31% of the electoral vote and 37% of the popular vote. Independent H. Ross Perot wins 19% of the popular vote but no electoral votes.

Address to the Nation on Somalia Situation

President addresses the nation on the situation in Somalia and US participation in United Nations humanitarian mission. U.S. troops deploy to Somalia on 12/08/1992.

George H. W. Bush Leaves White House

On January 20, 1993, President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara flew back to Houston, Texas, after completing his presidential term.

George H. W. Bush Attends Son's Inauguration

In 2001, George H. W. Bush attended the inauguration of his son, George W. Bush, who became the 43rd president of the United States. This marked the first time in almost 200 years that a father and son have both been elected president, the last being John and John Quincy Adams.

Death at Age 94

On November 30, 2018, George H. W. Bush passed away at the age of 94.

George H.W. Bush becomes 41st US President

On December 01, 2018, George H.W. Bush became the 41st President of the United States.

End of the Timeline
George H. W. Bush

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