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This text outlines the significant events of George W. Bush's presidency, including the contentious 2000 election, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the War on Terror, the Iraq War, and Hurricane Katrina. It also mentions the 2008 election and the establishment of the 9/11 Memorial.
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What were the major events of the George W. Bush presidency?
Election of 2000 • Democrat – Al Gore • Republican – George W. Bush
Election of 2000 • Decided by 537 votes in Florida • Closest presidential election in U.S. history
Election of 2000 • Both needed Florida’s 25 electoral votes to win
Election of 2000 • Close results in Florida • State law required a recount • Bush won by 537 votes
Bush v. Gore • Gore took the case to the Supreme Court • Ruled in favor FL certified results in time for the electoral college vote in mid-December
Sept. 11, 2001 • Terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania • Terrorism – the use of violence by nongovernmental groups against civilians to achieve a political goal
Reasons for Muslim Terrorism • U.S. investments in Middle East oil • Persian Gulf War • Western influences on Muslim religious values • U.S. support of Israel
Al-Qaeda • Muslim organization created by Osama bin Laden 9/11 Video
War on Terror • Response to terrorist attacks • Created Department of Homeland Security
Patriot Act • Increased authority of US law enforcement agencies • Question of civil liberties?
Afghanistan • Oct. 7, 2001 – U.S. began bombing • Attacked al-Qaeda camps and the Taliban (supporters of bin Laden) Operation Enduring Freedom(As of 2018): Killed: 2,411 Wounded: 17,674
Iraq War • March 20, 2003 – U.S. coalition forces (led by the U.S.) • Invasion of Iraq, seized control by May 1
U.S. – Iraq War • Based on intelligence that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction(WMD) • Used chemical weapons against the Kurds in Iraq
Colin Powell • Testified before the UN that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction
War in Iraq • Unstable government • Terrorist insurgents and attacks Operation Iraqi Freedom(As of 2018): Killed: 4,541 Wounded: 32,223
War in Iraq • 2007 – troop surge approved • Today – removal of troops as Iraq becomes more stable as a democracy
Hurricane Katrina • Date: August 23, 2005 – August 31, 2005
2008 Election • Republican – John McCain • Democrat – BarackObama • First African American president