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"Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
This policy passed by Clinton still reaffirmed the policy of armed forces being banned from serving, but stated that military officials would not look into the personal lives of active members. This meant that as long as members did not openly announce their sexual status, they could serve. This did not sit right with the LGBTQ community, as they felt betrayed, and members of the military sparked a sense of distrust in the commanders. Overall, this did not help Clinton's reputation. (Kruse, 206) -
Times Square "Remake"
Prior to the 1990s, Times Square was largely an area for porn theatres and shows, as well as drugs. However, after 1993, many of these shops were closed and the NYPD arrested many drug dealers. As the area continued to develop, major companies started to buy real estate, such as Disney. Additionally, many neighborhoods started to emerge for the wealthier residents of the state. This is important because it started to establish the uneven economic recovery of the 1990s. -
Waco Bombing
An anti-government group called the Branch Davidians who were barricading themselves in their building were seen buying bombs that were supposed to be delivered to them. They go into a standoff with federal officials and after two months, they start to move in and remove children. During this, the building starts to burn and 70 people burn with it. This incident is important because it was seen as the federal government silencing white wing groups. (Thomson, Lecture) -
North America Free Trade Agreement
This agreement established free trade between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. This meant that there would be no taxes or tariffs attached to items being traded over these borders. However, this came with the idea that companies would leave the U.S. and American workers would be in jeopardy. This was a bi-partisan win for Clinton, but along the way he lost the support of many important members in Congress. (Kruse, 209) -
OKC Bombing
Timothy McVeigh, an army veteran who has since turned against the government, was responsible for the OKC bombing. Two years exactly after the Waco fire, he arrived at a federal building in OKC with a large homemade bomb in the back of the U-Haul truck he was driving. The bomb detonated and killed 168 individuals at this building. Prior to 9/11, this was the largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil. McVeigh was then tried, found guilty, and executed. (Thomson, Lecture) -
2000 Election
This election was one of the closest in American history between Al Gore and George Bush. Gore beat Bush in the popular vote and in the electoral college, but still didn't have enough electoral college vote without Florida's being counted. In the end, the votes revealed that Bush had a margin of just 500 votes, and Gore's administration pushed for a recount. The court then ordered a stop to this, and the election was awarded to Bush. This election greatly divided the American people. Kruse, 242 -
Bush's First Two Executive Orders
Bush's first executive order created a new executive branch that would coordinate public campaigns and start faith based initiatives within the government. The next created faith-based programs for 5 cabinet level departments. These were never fully formed, so the republicans in the house turned to proposals from the Religious Right. One of these called for the complete freedom to discriminate during the hiring process. This is important because it shows Bush's struggles very early on. Kruse 247 -
Operation Enduring Freedom
About a month after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States launched a series of great airstrikes and special operations on the ground against the Taliban. This showcased new technologies, such as predator drones and the Joint Direct Attack Munitions. By creating these, Bush hoped that he could avoid putting troops on the ground. This was successful until the Taliban was routed and a new interim government had to be established. This showcased a shift in American foreign policy. Kruse 255 -
Establishment of the Department of Homeland Security
This was established after the midterm elections and was sought to organize government operations in the war on terror and work to prepare citizens. They had color-coded alerts created that would advise citizens about daily threat levels, but were confusing and resulted in mockery. DHS also encouraged citizens to buy 3 days worth of water, food, and batteries in the case of an attack. This is important because it shows how the U.S. was forced to prepare citizens after 9/11. Kruse 262 -
Unborn Victims of Violence Act
In addition to Bush banning federal funding on organizations that presented abortion services abroad, he signed this antiabortion legislation. It stated that if a pregnant woman were to be killed, the unborn fetus would be considered a second victim. This was just another step in Bush's support in the pro-life movement. It showed that he legally wanted to give recognition to an unborn fetus. This is important because it shows how much Bush supported the Religious Right.