Lesson 14.03 Clinton, Bush, and Obama Administrations

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

Central Question: How did the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations leave a lasting legacy on the United States and the world at-large?

The years following George H. W. Bush's administration proved to be quite volatile. Bush's successor, Bill Clinton, inherited a weak economy and often encountered political opposition in his efforts to reform healthcare and other social entities. Scandals also detracted attention away from Clinton's agenda, particularly that of his impeachmentprocess by which a government official is accused of an unlawful activity and may result in removal from office vote in the House of Representatives.

President Clinton's two terms in office were followed by another two-term president, George W. Bush. While Bush initially attempted to focus on domestic concerns, his administration soon found itself in the midst of an international crisis when the United States was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001Hijacked airliners intended for targets in Washington and New York killed over 3,000 people on 9/11.. This devastating attack drew the U.S. into a conflict in AfghanistanSite of war led by a U.S.-led coalition between 2001-2014 to eradicate terrorist camps within the country. Bush and other allies later engaged in Operation Iraqi FreedomU.S. led military action between 2003-2010 in an effort to limit Saddam Hussein's production of weapons of mass destruction.

In a historic electionBarack Obama was the first African-American elected to the presidency in the United States., Barack Obama was elected President of the United States in 2008. Thus far, his administration has focused largely on domestic concerns related to healthcare and the economy. With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan nearing their end, Obama opted to draw down U.S. forces within the region. Terrorist threats and economic concerns have proven to be considerable challenges for presidents of the modern era.