90s Flashcards
(29 cards)
What was the Election of 1988?
Presidential race between George H.W. Bush (Republican) and Michael Dukakis (Democrat); Bush won decisively.
Who was Michael Dukakis?
Democratic nominee for president in 1988; Governor of Massachusetts; criticized for being weak on crime and defense.
What were the Willie Horton ads?
Controversial political ads used by Bush’s campaign to portray Dukakis as soft on crime; Willie Horton was a convicted murderer who committed crimes while on furlough.
Who was George H.W. Bush?
41st President (1989–1993); former VP under Reagan; led the U.S. in the Gulf War and signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What was the famous pledge made by George H.W. Bush during the 1988 campaign?
Famous pledge: ‘Read my lips: no new taxes.’ Later broken, hurting his credibility.
Who was Dan Quayle?
George H.W. Bush’s vice president; often mocked for verbal gaffes and perceived lack of experience.
Who was Manuel Noriega?
Military dictator of Panama; captured by U.S. forces during Operation Just Cause (1989); convicted of drug trafficking.
What was Operation Just Cause?
U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989 to remove Manuel Noriega from power and restore democratic rule.
What is Gulf War Syndrome?
Chronic illness reported by veterans of the 1991 Gulf War, involving fatigue, headaches, and memory problems; cause is debated.
Who was Saddam Hussein?
Iraqi dictator who invaded Kuwait in 1990; defeated by U.S.-led coalition in the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm).
What was the Iran-Iraq War?
1980–1988 conflict between Iran and Iraq; ended in stalemate; U.S. supported Iraq strategically during the war.
What was Operation Desert Storm?
1991 military operation during the Gulf War; U.S.-led coalition expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
Who was Colin Powell/ Powell Doctrine?
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs during the Gulf War; the Powell Doctrine advocated using overwhelming force only when clear objectives exist.
What is the Patriot Missile System?
Advanced missile defense system used during the Gulf War to intercept Iraqi Scud missiles.
Who was Norman Schwarzkopf?
U.S. Army General who led coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
1990 civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment, transportation, and public accommodations.
What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?
Federal law requiring public schools to provide free and appropriate education to students with disabilities.
Who is Clarence Thomas?
Conservative Supreme Court justice nominated by George H.W. Bush in 1991; second African American on the Court.
Who is Anita Hill?
Former aide who accused Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment during his confirmation hearings, sparking national debate on sexual misconduct.
What was the 1992 Year of the Woman?
Election year in which a record number of women were elected to Congress, partly in response to the Clarence Thomas hearings.
What caused the 1990–1991 Recession?
Economic downturn caused by high oil prices, reduced consumer spending, and the savings & loan crisis.
What is the 27th Amendment?
Ratified in 1992; prevents congressional pay raises from taking effect until after the next election.
What was the Election of 1992?
Presidential race between Bill Clinton (Democrat), George H.W. Bush (Republican), and Ross Perot (Independent); Clinton won.
Who was Bill Clinton?
42nd President (1993–2001); promoted centrist ‘New Democrat’ policies; presided over economic growth and impeachment scandal.
