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The Post Cold War Decade
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Operation Desert Storm
Operation Desert Storm was a military operation conducted under George Herbert Walker Bush's presidency. This was done following a transnational crisis when the state of Iraq had invaded Kuwait. As a result this the president would subsequently initiate a military operation that would invade Iraq. This would display America's prowess in the military tech produced (American Yawp Chapter 30). -
Collapse of the Soviet Union
The Soviet Union, another grand and opposing global superpower against the United States, was often the lead competitor against the United States in terms of economy, armed conflicts, industry and nuclear development. However due to various instances of a failing economy alongside difficult instances of invasion in the Middle East, Mikhail Gorbachev attempted to reform the Soviet Union, but ultimately resigned, leading the US to be the global superpower. (American Yawp Chapter 30) -
Election of Bill Clinton
Following the turbulent presidency of George H. W. Bush. Bill Clinton would be elected in 1992. Despite having a clear advantage of both the Senate and House of Representatives be the last party, Clinton would spend much of his presidency attempting to reform the policies put in place by the Reagan and Bush administration. Clinton would campaign based upon a more moderate political alongside economic reforms. However, the presidency would be riddled with various scandals (Kruse and Zelizer 204) -
Clinton passes Don't Ask Don't Tell
This piece of legislation perfectly encapsulates the centrist position of Bill Clinton's presidency. This legislation entails that homosexual civilians in the military were not allowed to discuss their activities while military personnel of higher rank were not allowed to inquire about these activities. This legislation would mark one of the first controversies surrounding his presidency (Kruse and Zelizer 206) -
1994 Midterm Election
During the 1994 midterm election, the republican party was eager to create discourse and challenge the current President of the United States, Bill Clinton. In this midterm election, the party gained seats in both the Senate and House of Representatives. This election would be dubbed the "Republican Revolution" and would introduce Newt Gingrich (Kruse and Zelizer 212). -
NAFTA passed
This piece of legislation was passed during the presidency of the Clinton Administration. This piece of legislation highlights the newfound trading of goods within the nations consisting of the North American continent. Many critics opposed this legislation on both sides fearing that job insecuirty and off shoring industries would occur. This was intended to pull back on the Reagan era economics. (American Yawp Chapter 30). -
Advent of Fox News Media
A large portion in defining the media history of the era, the dawn of Fox News provided a controversial aspect to the Clinton Presidency. Intended to combat the news networks of CNN and ABC, this news network was known for utilizing conservative rhetoric. This news network would then subsequently broadcast and polarize the impeachment of Bill Clinton (Kruse Zelizer 225-227). -
Attack of the World Trade Center
This event in American history not only defined a critical turning point in American politics but would be considered the largest act of terrorism against the United States. Several Al Qaeda operatives, instructed by Osama Bin Laden, would hijack several planes attacking the World Trade Center and Pentagon. As a result of these attacks George W. Bush would respond in a way that would shift America forever (Kruse and Zelizer 249-250). -
Bush Enacts AUMF
One of the most prolific bipartisan partnerships, where both democrats and republicans would agree on this enacting of presidential power. Congress then allowed for the authorization for military action to be conducted against Taliban forces in various nations within the Middle East. President Bush was then allowed to utilize any military force, starting the war on terror (Kruse and Zelizer 252-253 -
Election of Barack Obama
One of the most prominent turning points in the history of Presidents within America. The election of Barack Obama in 2008 marked a turning point on the war on terror and the Bush presidency. Specifically, Obama was known to campaign on anti-invasion sentiments that would ultimately culminate in him being chosen as the democratic candidate and beating John McCain. This would lead to his election as the first African American president (American Yawp Chapter 30).