George H.W. Bush

George H. W. Bush, President of the United States, 1989 official portrait.jpg

George Herbert Walker Bush (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018) was an American politician and businessman who served as the 41st president of the United States from 1989 to 1993. Prior to his presidency, he served as the 43rd vice president from 1981 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan, in a career that spanned over three decades in public service.

Early Life and Education

George H. W. Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts, to Prescott Bush and Dorothy Walker Bush. He grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, and attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. After graduating in 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy on his 18th birthday, becoming one of the youngest aviators in the Navy during World War II.

After the war, Bush attended Yale University, where he was a member of the Skull and Bones society and graduated in 1948 with a degree in economics.

Business Career

Following his graduation from Yale, Bush moved to West Texas and entered the oil business, founding the Zapata Petroleum Corporation in 1953. His success in the oil industry provided him with the financial resources to enter politics.

Political Career

Early Political Career

Bush's political career began in 1964 when he ran for the United States Senate from Texas, though he was unsuccessful. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1966, serving two terms.

In 1971, President Richard Nixon appointed Bush as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. He later served as the Chairman of the Republican National Committee during the Watergate scandal.

Vice Presidency

In 1980, Bush ran for the Republican presidential nomination but was defeated by Ronald Reagan. Reagan selected Bush as his running mate, and they won the election. As vice president, Bush was involved in several domestic and foreign policy issues, including the War on Drugs and the Iran-Contra affair.

Presidency (1989–1993)

Bush was elected president in 1988, defeating Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis. His presidency was marked by significant events in foreign policy, including the end of the Cold War, the Gulf War, and the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Domestic Policy

Domestically, Bush faced economic challenges, including a recession. His decision to raise taxes, despite his "no new taxes" pledge, was controversial and is often cited as a factor in his loss to Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential election.

Foreign Policy

Bush's foreign policy achievements include the successful military operation in the Gulf War to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait and the peaceful end of the Cold War, which saw the reunification of Germany and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Post-Presidency

After leaving office, Bush remained active in public life, often working with his successor, Bill Clinton, on humanitarian efforts. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 by President Barack Obama.

Personal Life

Bush married Barbara Pierce in 1945, and they had six children, including George W. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, and Jeb Bush, the 43rd governor of Florida.

Death and Legacy

George H. W. Bush passed away on November 30, 2018, at his home in Houston, Texas. He is remembered for his leadership during a pivotal time in world history and his commitment to public service.

See Also

• Presidency of George H. W. Bush
• Bush family
• List of presidents of the United States

References

• Meacham, Jon. Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush. Random House, 2015.
• Bush, George H. W. All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings. Scribner, 1999.