🎖️George H.W. Bush

41st President · 1989–1993 · Republican

George H.W. Bush served through the most remarkable foreign-policy moment of the late 20th century: the fall of the Berlin Wall, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the reunification of Germany, and the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation — all within three years. His diplomatic skill and restraint kept these transitions peaceful. At home, his "Read my lips: no new taxes" pledge collapsed into a 1990 budget deal that raised taxes and cost him re-election.

Remarkable Resume

Bush flew 58 combat missions as a Navy torpedo-bomber pilot in World War II, graduated from Yale, and made a fortune in Texas oil. He served two terms in the House, was U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee, chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in China, and Director of Central Intelligence — all before becoming Ronald Reagan's Vice President in 1981 and then winning the presidency in 1988.

End of the Cold War

The Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989, less than a year into Bush's presidency. Bush responded with careful restraint — declining to "dance on the wall" or claim victory — which historians have largely praised. He negotiated the reunification of Germany with Mikhail Gorbachev, and by Christmas Day 1991, the Soviet Union itself had dissolved. Bush also signed the START I and START II arms control treaties, dramatically reducing strategic nuclear arsenals.

Gulf War

When Iraqi forces under Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in August 1990, Bush assembled a 35-nation coalition through the United Nations and deployed roughly 540,000 U.S. troops to Saudi Arabia. Operation Desert Storm, launched January 17, 1991, expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait in a 42-day air campaign and 100-hour ground war. U.S. casualties were remarkably light. Bush's approval rating briefly topped 89% — the highest ever recorded.

Broken Pledge and 1992 Loss

At the 1988 Republican convention, Bush had pledged: "Read my lips: no new taxes." Faced with a widening deficit, he reversed the pledge in 1990 budget negotiations with Democrats, enraging conservatives. A recession in 1991–92 further eroded his standing. Independent Ross Perot drew 19% of the popular vote, splitting the electorate. Bush lost to Bill Clinton in 1992. His son, George W. Bush, would win the presidency in 2000, making them the second father-and-son presidential pair in American history.

GHW Bush Trivia

• At 20, Bush was the youngest aviator in the Navy when he earned his wings in 1943.
• He celebrated his 90th birthday by parachuting — and his 80th and his 85th and his 75th and his 90th.
• He and his son George W. Bush are one of only two father-son presidential pairs.
• Bush was the last World War II veteran to serve as president.
• He died at 94, hours after telling his son George via phone, "I love you, too."

🎩 Related Presidents

Continue exploring the chronology:

→ See all presidents in order