US History – 1945 to Present

🧸US History – 1945 to Present Unit 12 – Bush Sr. and the New World Order

George H.W. Bush's presidency marked a pivotal shift in global politics as the Cold War ended. He navigated the U.S. through the Soviet Union's collapse, promoting a "New World Order" of international cooperation and collective security. Bush's foreign policy successes, like the Gulf War, were offset by domestic challenges. His handling of the economy and breaking his "no new taxes" pledge hurt his popularity, ultimately leading to his defeat in the 1992 election.

Key Players and Background

  • George H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States (1989-1993), previously served as Vice President under Ronald Reagan
  • Bush had extensive foreign policy experience, including serving as Director of the CIA and as a diplomat in China
  • The Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, was a defining aspect of the post-World War II era
    • Characterized by an arms race, proxy wars, and ideological rivalries
  • Mikhail Gorbachev, the last General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, introduced reforms (glasnost and perestroika) that contributed to the end of the Cold War
  • The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 symbolized the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and the impending end of the Cold War
  • Bush faced the challenge of navigating the United States through a rapidly changing global landscape as the Cold War came to an end

The Fall of the Soviet Union

  • The Soviet Union, a federation of 15 republics, faced economic stagnation, political instability, and ethnic tensions in the late 1980s
  • Gorbachev's reforms, intended to revitalize the Soviet system, inadvertently led to the unraveling of the Soviet Union
    • Glasnost (openness) allowed for increased freedom of speech and political dissent
    • Perestroika (restructuring) introduced market-oriented economic reforms
  • The failed August 1991 coup attempt by hardline communists against Gorbachev accelerated the dissolution of the Soviet Union
  • On December 26, 1991, the Soviet Union officially ceased to exist, with its constituent republics gaining independence
    • Russia emerged as the largest and most influential of the former Soviet republics
  • The end of the Soviet Union marked a significant shift in the global balance of power, with the United States emerging as the world's sole superpower

Bush's Vision of a New World Order

  • In the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse, Bush articulated a vision for a "New World Order" characterized by international cooperation, collective security, and the rule of law
  • Bush sought to capitalize on the end of the Cold War to promote a more stable and peaceful international system
    • Emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the role of the United Nations in resolving global conflicts
  • The New World Order envisioned a world in which nations would work together to address common challenges, such as regional conflicts, nuclear proliferation, and environmental issues
  • Bush's vision included the promotion of democracy, human rights, and free-market economics as universal values
  • The New World Order concept represented a shift from the bipolar world of the Cold War to a more multipolar and interdependent global system

Foreign Policy Initiatives

  • Bush pursued a foreign policy that sought to maintain stability and promote American interests in the post-Cold War world
  • Supported the reunification of Germany in 1990, which symbolized the end of the division of Europe
  • Worked to improve relations with Russia and other former Soviet republics, providing economic assistance and encouraging democratic reforms
  • Continued arms control efforts, signing the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I) with the Soviet Union in 1991 to reduce nuclear stockpiles
  • Responded to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 by assembling a broad international coalition to liberate Kuwait (Gulf War)
  • Provided humanitarian assistance to the Kurdish people in northern Iraq following the Gulf War
  • Supported the transition to democracy in Latin America, including the removal of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega in 1989

Domestic Challenges and Responses

  • Bush faced a weakening economy, with rising unemployment and a growing budget deficit
    • Implemented a budget agreement in 1990 that raised taxes, despite his earlier pledge of "no new taxes"
  • Signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities
  • Appointed David Souter and Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, shaping the court's conservative majority
  • Faced criticism for his response to the Savings and Loan (S&L) crisis, which required a government bailout of the banking industry
  • Struggled to address the growing crack cocaine epidemic and its impact on urban communities
    • Signed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, which established the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and increased penalties for drug offenses

The Gulf War and Its Aftermath

  • In August 1990, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded and annexed Kuwait, a small, oil-rich country in the Persian Gulf
  • Bush assembled a broad international coalition, including Arab states, to oppose the Iraqi invasion and liberate Kuwait
    • Obtained a United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq
  • In January 1991, the U.S.-led coalition launched Operation Desert Storm, a massive air campaign followed by a ground offensive that quickly defeated Iraqi forces
  • The Gulf War demonstrated the United States' military superiority and its ability to lead multilateral efforts to address regional conflicts
  • However, Bush's decision to end the war without removing Saddam Hussein from power drew criticism and led to a protracted conflict with Iraq throughout the 1990s
    • Imposed economic sanctions and no-fly zones over Iraq to contain Saddam Hussein's regime

Legacy and Impact

  • Bush's presidency marked a significant transition period in American history, as the United States adapted to its new role as the world's sole superpower
  • The successful prosecution of the Gulf War and the management of the Soviet Union's collapse enhanced Bush's foreign policy credentials
  • However, Bush's domestic agenda was overshadowed by economic challenges, and he was criticized for appearing out of touch with the concerns of average Americans
  • Bush's vision of a New World Order, while not fully realized, influenced American foreign policy in the post-Cold War era
    • Emphasized the importance of multilateralism, collective security, and the promotion of democratic values
  • Bush's presidency laid the groundwork for future U.S. involvement in international crises and nation-building efforts, such as in Somalia and the Balkans

Criticisms and Controversies

  • Bush faced criticism for his handling of the economy, particularly his response to the recession of 1990-1991
    • His decision to raise taxes, despite his "no new taxes" pledge, eroded his support among conservatives
  • Some argued that Bush missed an opportunity to remove Saddam Hussein from power during the Gulf War, leading to continued instability in the region
  • Bush's pardons of several individuals involved in the Iran-Contra scandal, including former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, were controversial
  • Critics accused Bush of neglecting domestic issues, such as education, healthcare, and urban poverty, in favor of foreign policy concerns
  • Bush's handling of the HIV/AIDS crisis was criticized as inadequate, with activists arguing that he failed to prioritize funding for research and treatment
  • The Bush administration's involvement in the Savings and Loan (S&L) crisis, which required a costly government bailout, drew scrutiny and criticism


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.