HIST+152+Exam+4+S18


 * VIETNAM WAR**

Vietnam became one of the many sites where the Cold War and the Third World intersected.


 * Maps** for us to refer back to during our study of the Vietnam War.

Static map: http://wps.ablongman.com/wps/media/objects/1483/1518969/DIVI650.jpg

Map: South Vietnam provinces, 1967 http://www.rivervet.com/mapprovinces.htm


 * Context for U.S. decision-making**

Containment policy

American leaders thought of Vietnam as an Asian Berlin, a place to draw the line against communism and to implement the containment doctrine.

China 1949 McCarthy in US (1950-1954) Korean War (1950-1953)


 * French Indochina**

Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos) colonized in 1880s. Vietnamese resisted French colonial regime as much as possible Vietnamese tradition of historical resistance to invaders: China.


 * Ho Chi Minh:**

Video: Ho Chi Minh []

Leader of Vietnamese Communist Party Major leader of Vietnamese resistance to the Japanese Vietminh declared independence from France in 1945. Ho quoted from U.S. Declaration of Independence.


 * General Giap**: defeated both the French and the US

Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap, Who Ousted U.S. From Vietnam, Is Dead http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/05/world/asia/gen-vo-nguyen-giap-dies.html?ref=global-home&pagewanted=all


 * Vietminh war against the French**

U.S. had a choice:

a) Support Ho Chi Minh's bid for independence

b) Support French return to Indochina

We supported the French return. Context: containment of communism We paid 80% of the costs of French war against Vietminh


 * Dienbienphu (May 1954)**

French fall to Viet Minh at Dien Bien Phu []


 * French withdrawal from Indochina**

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/geneva-conference-begins
 * Geneva peace conference** (July 1954)

Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel. Ho's forces gained control of North Vietnam. Election to unify the country was scheduled for 1956. America, figuring Ho Chi Minh would win, did not permit the election.


 * U.S. replaced France in Vietnam**


 * AMERICA IN VIETNAM**


 * Overview**:

Ground combat took place within South Vietnam

U.S. never invaded North Vietnam

U.S. pursued an air war against North Vietnam


 * Enemy side**:

North Vietnam and those living in South Vietnam (called Viet Cong) who will fight against the United States

Video: Inside the Viet Cong http://youtu.be/jfPx1jfoWjs


 * Our side**:

United States and those South Vietnamese friendly to U.S.


 * Our man in Vietnam: Ngo Dinh Diem**

Our initial handpicked leader in South Vietnam No real alternative leader in South Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh in the North U.S. backed Ngo Dinh Diem

He consolidated power over internal rivals. Diem was a Catholic (in a mostly Buddhist country).

Bachelor (role of his family, especially brother and his sister-in-law)

Diem's oppressive policies and persecution of Buddhists made him unpopular

Vietnamese monk burning himself to death []

CIA backed an overthrow of Diem.

Arrest and assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem.

JFK himself was assassinated three weeks later.


 * Kennedy's escalation of the U.S. war effort**

North Vietnam and Viet Cong increased attempts to win in South South Vietnam on the verge of losing JFK had sent 16,000 American advisors. Big historical question: what would Kennedy have done had he lived?

After Diem, revolving-door governments in South Vietnam Comparisons to Iraq and Afghanistan

Why did we let Diem be overthrown? Was there any better alternative? Was the country itself able to operate as a country? Could and would the South Vietnamese leaders actually lead their own people? At what point could the U.S. have gotten out of Vietnam?


 * President Lyndon Johnson and the Americanization of the War**


 * Competition with his Great Society**


 * Tonkin Gulf Incident and Resolution**

U.S. Involvement in the Vietnam War: the Gulf of Tonkin and Escalation, 1964 []

Response to North Vietnamese attack on American destroyer. U.S. not entirely clean in this incident.

Tonkin Gulf Congressional Resolution Gave LBJ authority to use unlimited military force in North Vietnam. Johnson interpreted it as equivalent to declaration of war.


 * George Ball's dissent against continued U.S. involvement in Vietnam**

He wanted us to bail out of Vietnam early on; in retrospect, he was probably right.


 * Operation Rolling Thunder: U.S. air campaign over North Vietnam**

More U.S. bombs on Vietnam than U.S. dropped in all of WWII North Vietnamese did not give up. Hid in shelters; rebuilt roads and bridges Their perseverance frustrated and awed American decision makers. U.S. prisoners of war: John McCain among them


 * Escalation: U.S. commits regular combat units to Vietnam**

Johnson's decision for major increase of U.S. effort in Vietnam

Johnson sent 50,000 U.S. ground troops in July 1965. Successive escalations of U.S. troop levels. Maximum level of 536,000 in 1968.

We told the South Vietnamese: watch how well we could complete the job. They watched. We did not complete the job.


 * Attrition strategy**

American aim was to kill more enemy than could be sent from the North.

Search and destroy tactics

Body count: the indication of success. If it's dead and Vietnamese, it's VC

Attrition did not succeed

Sanctuary: Enemy could use Laos and Cambodia as a sanctuary Hard to defeat an enemy that has this kind of advantage. Compare to Taliban using Pakistan as a sanctuary.

Ho Chi Minh trail: Google Images http://bit.ly/GXZlFl


 * U.S. military in Vietnam**

Many different wars depending on branch of service and location within South Vietnam

Vietnam tour of duty: 12 months for Army

Could be stationed in a U.S. unit or on an advisory team


 * Morale Problems**: largely due to the draft

1. Fragging: killing an officer with a fragmentation hand grenade in his foxhole.

2. Drug use

3. Post–traumatic stress. Other wars: shell shock, battle fatigue.


 * TET OFFENSIVE** (January 1968)

Tet Offensive by the enemy Tet is the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday

U.S. Involvement in the Vietnam War: The Tet Offensive, 1968 []

This event was really important in retrospect Enemy coordinated attacks all over South Vietnam U.S. was victorious militarily

In U.S., public relations fallout bad Americans became convinced that war was not winnable.


 * Divisions at Home in U.S.**


 * Pro-war**—by hard hats; silent majority


 * Anti-war protests**:

Sound Smart: Vietnam War Protests []

Video: Reporting Vietnam: The press and the anti-war movement https://youtu.be/AA0lBz6R0Z4

Counterculture and the New Left both opposed the Vietnam War Used teach–ins, antiwar marches, and demonstrations. Some burned draft cards Others fled the draft by moving to Canada. "Hey, hey, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today?"


 * Kent State University**

U.S. raid into Cambodia (1970) triggered campus protests at Kent State and Jackson State.

Kent State University: 4 students killed; National Guard unit fired into a crowd of student protesters.

Video: Four killed in Kent State shooting http://youtu.be/Lmd6CHah7Wg

Kent State Students Shot by Ohio National Guard http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/May-June-08/On-this-Day--Kent-State-Students-Shot-by-Ohio-National-Guard.html


 * Richard Nixon: Vietnamization of the war**

His anti-Communist credentials As a Republican, he had not “lost” China He began the withdrawal of U.S. troops South Vietnamese should carry the load. Similar to our attempts both in Iraq and Afghanistan: "if they stand up, we will stand down"

Ending the Vietnam War, 1969–1973 []


 * Fall of South Vietnam** (April 1975)

Google Images: Helicopters Leaving Saigon http://bit.ly/H9huRr

Saigon Falls to Vietcong Ending Vietnam War http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/April/Saigon-Falls-to-Vietcong--Ending-Vietnam-War.html


 * Legacy of the Vietnam war**

58,000 U.S. dead

Video: Reporting Vietnam: One Week’s Dead (27 June 1969) https://youtu.be/3WK9VtHNb3Q

Financial cost to U.S.: $200 billion. America's most unpopular war. Involvement of six U.S. presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford.


 * Vietnamese refugees who came to America**

Vietnamese boat people https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_boat_people


 * PRESIDENT RICHARD NIXON**

Vdeo: Richard Nixon bio https://youtu.be/KrXr1zksNEs

Video: Richard M. Nixon (60-Second Presidents) (PBS) https://youtu.be/jOdg3fo_Yo8


 * Nixon as Eisenhower's Vice President (1952-1958)**

1. Nixon's "Checkers" speech (September 1952)

Video: Richard Nixon - "Checkers" Speech http://youtu.be/I9LcAJOsFGg

Richard Nixon Delivers “Checkers Speech” http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/Sept/Richard-Nixon-Delivers-Checkers-Speech.html

2. Nixon in Venezuela (1958)

Video: Today in History | 13 May 1958 https://youtu.be/CI6P_5cgbGQ

3. Nixon debates Khrushchev at a fair in Moscow | 7/24/1959 []

Video: US-USSR Kitchen Debate - 1959 | Today in History | 24 July http://youtu.be/1JVXaEnDGDg


 * Presidential Election of 1960**

Remember: Nixon lost to Kennedy

Video: Kennedy-Nixon debate http://youtu.be/zHGs4535W_o

Campaign commercials (Living Room Candidate) http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1960


 * Presidential Election of 1968**

Campaign commercials (Living Room Candidate) http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1968

Video: 1968 Election (Tom Brokaw) http://youtu.be/jQwbJahpQmQ

Video: Nixon's law and order campaign ads http://youtu.be/cEdtwQ8OguY

1. Democratic Convention (Chicago).

Video: 1968 Democratic National Convention http://youtu.be/6ZlD4Dn_U7U

Johnson surprisingly decided not to run for reelection

The convention nominated Johnson's VP Hubert Humphrey. Chicago police clashed with 5.000 anti-war protestors. Police banged heads

2. Republican Convention (Miami Beach).

Nixon won nomination over Nelson Rockefeller (liberal wing) Ronald Reagan (conservative wing).

Nixon stood for stability and order: Against war protestors Against counterculture.

3. Results of the 1968 election

a. Nixon won (43.4% popular; 301 electoral) Law and order candidate. Supported by so-called "silent majority"—those not protesting

Video: Nixon's "Great Silent Majority" http://youtu.be/Hqz0i83Jqxg

b. He defeated Humphrey and Wallace

Democrat Hubert Humphrey (LBJ's Vice President) (42.7% popular; 191 electoral)

George Wallace, segregationist Alabama governor: third–party (13.5% popular; 46 electoral)


 * Nixon's Foreign policy**


 * Detente**. Relaxation of tensions between the superpowers.

"**Grand strategy.**" Nixon and Kissinger.

Henry Kissinger: National security adviser; then Secretary of State

Originally, People's Republic of China (PRC) seen as a tool of Soviet Union Nixon decided to play them off against each other


 * Ping-Pong Diplomacy**

Video: Ping Pong Diplomacy (NBC Nightly News) http://youtu.be/PfMRq2Of_Qw


 * Nixon's Visit to People's Republic of China (PRC) (1972)**

A surprise: Nixon was such a long-time Communist–hater U.S. had no diplomatic relations with PRC then

Video: Nixon in China: The Week that Changed the World http://youtu.be/Lnz7Ze71Pc0

Nixon Leaves on Diplomatic Trip to China []


 * Nixon and Vietnam**

Ending the Vietnam War, 1969–1973 https://history.state.gov/milestones/1969-1976/ending-vietnam

His anti-Communist credentials As a Republican, he had not “lost” China He began the withdrawal of U.S. troops South Vietnamese should carry the load. Similar to our attempts both in Iraq and Afghanistan: "if they stand up, we will stand down"

Civil Rights protests going on at same time:

When Martin Luther King Came Out Against Vietnam https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/opinion/when-martin-luther-king-came-out-against-vietnam.html?_r=0


 * Presidential Election of 1972**

Nixon was easily reelected over George McGovern. Democrats, however, retained control of Congress. He did not need to do a "Watergate."

Video: Campaign commercials (Living Room Candidate) http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1972


 * Nixon's "Southern Strategy"**

Main issue: Urged Republicans to go slow on civil rights issues

Republicans stood for law and order.

Equated Democrats with permissiveness, crime, drugs, pornography, the hippie lifestyle, student radicalism, black militancy, feminism, homosexuality, and dissolution of the family.


 * Watergate**

Richard Nixon Resigns because of Watergate Scandal http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/July-August-08/On-this-Day--Richard-Nixon-Resigns.html

Video: Watergate: Saturday Night Massacre http://youtu.be/Yfnhuf-piq4

Video: All The President's Men http://youtu.be/vLt6djxhNe8

The Watergate Story Timeline (Washington Post) []


 * Vice President Agnew Resigned**

Nixon's Vice President Spiro Agnew had to resign because of income tax evasion and corruption.

Video: Spiro Agnew's resignation http://youtu.be/m6YwGyb7ouc

Vice President Spiro Agnew Resigns http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/Oct/Vice-President-Spiro-Agnew-Resigns.html


 * Gerald Ford became Vice President**

Spiro Agnew was replaced as Nixon's Vice President by Gerald Ford.

Video: VP Ford chosen as VP http://youtu.be/Or9OEUBr0qc


 * President Nixon resigned** on 9 August 1974 (before he could be impeached because of Watergate)

Video: Nixon resignation (Miller Center) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEOGJJ7UKFM&feature=related

Richard Nixon Resigns because of Watergate Scandal http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/July-August-08/On-this-Day--Richard-Nixon-Resigns.html


 * Gerald Ford Becomes President**

When Nixon resigned as President, Gerald Ford became the new President.

Video: Gerald Ford Sworn In as Vice President - 1973 | Today in History | 6 Dec http://youtu.be/Or9OEUBr0qc

Nelson Rockefeller became Vice President.

Only time neither President nor VP elected by people.


 * Ford Pardons Nixon**

Ford Grants Pardon to Nixon (New York Times) http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0908.html#article


 * Post–Watergate restrictions on executive power**

Congressional reactions to "imperial Presidency

It is interesting to see how our government balances itself over time.

1. War Powers Act—President must consult with Congress before sending American troops into foreign wars.

2. Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act—prohibited the impounding of federal appropriations.

3. Freedom of Information Act—to aid citizens who were the victims of dirty–tricks campaigns and by giving people greater access to government documents.


 * PRESIDENT GERALD FORD**

Videos: Gerald Ford bio https://youtu.be/Mf4NBMvksKI

Video: Gerald Ford (60-Second Presidents) (PBS) https://youtu.be/FeclXZWD5xo

Ford was not dumb and klutzy as media often portrayed him

Offered pro football contract after All-American at U. of Michigan.

Went to Yale Law School instead.

Served in House of Representatives (1949-1973); leader of minority party.


 * Gerald Ford became Vice President, then President**

Spiro Agnew was replaced as Nixon's Vice President by Gerald Ford.

Video: Gerald Ford Sworn In as Vice President - 6 December 1973 http://youtu.be/Or9OEUBr0qc

When Nixon resigned as President, Gerald Ford became the new President.

He served out the remainder of Nixon's term.

Ford was defeated by Carter in 1976.


 * Ford Pardoned Richard Nixon (Sept 1974)**

Video: Ford Pardons Nixon - 1974 | Today in History | 8 Sept https://youtu.be/67c-I-yt7s0

President Ford Pardons Richard Nixon http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/September-October-08/On-this-Day--President-Ford-Pardons-Richard-Nixon.html


 * 1976 Presidential election**

Ford was defeated by Jimmy Carter in the 1976 presidential election (New York Times) http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/nov-2-1976-carter-defeats-ford-in-presidential-election/

Campaign commercials (Living Room Candidate) 1976 []


 * PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER**

Video: Jimmy Carter bio https://youtu.be/MVlU7F5Gwo8

Video: Jimmy Carter (60-Second Presidents) (PBS) https://youtu.be/TmSO9pMWQjA


 * Election of 1976**

Carter took advantage of the reaction against Watergate to defeat Gerald Ford (New York Times) http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/nov-2-1976-carter-defeats-ford-in-presidential-election/

Campaign Commercials (Living Room Candidate) []


 * Panama Canal Treaty (1977)**

U.S. gave Canal Zone back to Panama on 12/31/99 Treaty passed Senate by only one vote.

The Panama Canal and the Torrijos-Carter Treaties https://history.state.gov/milestones/1977-1980/panama-canal


 * Camp David Agreements (1978)**

Video: Camp David Accords http://youtu.be/jYASjRMEWeA

Camp David Accords and the Arab-Israeli Peace Process https://history.state.gov/milestones/1977-1980/camp-david

Sadat and Begin Sign Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/March/Sadat-and-Begin-Sign-Israel-Egypt-Peace-Treaty.html


 * Iran Hostage Crisis (1979)**

U.S. permitted deposed Shah to come to the U.S. for cancer treatment.

Video: The Iranian Revolution: Why It Still Matters Decades Later http://youtu.be/hoFTDPtT_cY

Video: The Revolution That Led to the Iran We Know Today (WSJ) http://youtu.be/P82j90p7hYc

Ayatollah Khomeini Returns From Exile []

Iranian Muslim fundamentalists took members of U.S. embassy hostage.

In pictures: Iran hostage crisis (BBC News) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/04/middle_east_iran_hostage_crisis/html/1.stm

Iran Hostage Crisis Begins http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/November/On-this-Day--Iran-Hostage-Crisis-Begins.html


 * Unsuccessful US attempt to rescue hostages in Iran (1980)**

On this day in history, 24 April 1980, the Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission ended in disaster []

Overview map of the operation http://www.helis.com/featured/eagle_claw.php


 * Human Rights**

Carter and Human Rights, 1977–1981 https://history.state.gov/milestones/1977-1980/human-rights

He was accused of a double standard:

Critical of Soviet Union, Argentina, and Chile Willing to tolerate U.S. allies (South Korea, the Shah's Iran, Philippines).

Video: Ask President Carter: How can students advance human rights? (Carter Center) http://youtu.be/AtqrV2mBB7Y


 * Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979)**

The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and the U.S. Response, 1978–1980 []

Video: Soviet-Afghanistan War http://youtu.be/yFQOAwgp2WI


 * Carter Doctrine (1979)**

U.S. would defend the Persian Gulf militarily from any Soviet invasion

Video: The Carter Doctrine announced http://youtu.be/jjcMXKmW28E


 * U.S. boycott of 1980 Olympic Games**

Olympic Boycott, 1980 (Historian of the State Department) http://history.state.gov/milestones/1977-1980/Olympic

Video: The 1980 Moscow Olympics Boycott | Flashback | NBC News http://youtu.be/jL_8vpos-Fk


 * 1980 Presidential Election**

Carter lost the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan

Video: Ronald Reagan on The Misery Index Misery Index: combine the unemployment rate and the rate of inflation http://youtu.be/FcXODiINQoE

Campaign commercials (Living Room Candidate) http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1980


 * Assessment of Carter Presidency**

Misery Index: combine the unemployment rate and the rate of inflation

Everything—domestically as well as internationally—seemed to go against him. He is a fantastic ex–president.


 * Carter's Post-Presidency**

Nobel Peace Prize winner

Habitat for Humanity http://www.habitat.org/how/default_jcwp.aspx


 * PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN**

Video: Ronald Reagan bio http://youtu.be/MOzg83FFY9o

Video: Ronald Reagan (60-Second Presidents) (PBS) https://youtu.be/KzmrxK3BOSA


 * Election of 1980**

Reagan accused President Carter of letting America be kicked around in world affairs. Reagan's bold conservatism scared many voters Reagan elected largely as a reaction against Carter. Reagan's theme of "Stand Up, America" resonated with the electorate.

Campaign commercials (Living Room Candidate) []


 * Assassination attempt (March 1981)**

Reagan's courageous response to assassination attempt (during first 100 days) increased his political power.

Video: Assassination attempt []

John Hinckly, Jr., Shoots President Reagan and James Brady http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/March/John-Hinckley-Jr--Shoots-President-Reagan-and-James-Brady.html


 * Reagan's administrative agenda**

1. Cut taxes

2. Cut government red tape

3. Cut government spending on domestic programs

4. Increase defense spending

5. Stand up to communism

Reagan pictured Soviet Union as "evil empire."

Believed intense military buildup needed to confront Soviets.

Video: "Evil Empire" speech []

6. Negotiate with the Soviets

Video: "Tear Down This [Berlin] Wall" speech []

Reagan Urges Soviets to Tear Down Berlin Wall (New York Times) http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0612.html#article


 * Republican party coalition**

Made up of ideologically diverse constituencies:

1. Economic conservatives who had always voted Republican

2. Cultural conservatives

Fundamentalist and evangelical Christians Advocated family values Opposed abortion and homosexuality

3. "Reagan Democrats"

Blue–collar workers who supported family values

4. White voters in South (no longer the Solid Democratic South)

5. Young Americans (18–30) activated during Reagan years

6. Suburban voters (anti-taxes and anti-government).


 * Reaganomics**

Video: Reaganomics (Mr. Betts) http://youtu.be/BdaLrYTCE7g

Supply–side economic policies.

Cut federal spending on domestic programs

Cut taxes for the wealthy and for corporations

Free up investment capital and encourage new job creation

Investment income to offset loss of tax revenue caused by tax cuts.

Money freed up by tax cuts would "trickle down" to less wealthy

Did not work.

We got tremendous economic deficits.


 * Foreign policy events during the Reagan Administration**


 * 1. Beirut (Lebanon) barracks bombing (1983)**

Video: Beirut bombing http://youtu.be/KgyTb6O3gwI

1983 Beirut Bomb Still Reverberates Today []


 * 2. Invasion of Grenada (1983)**

Video: U.S. Invades Grenada - 1983 | Today in History | 25 Oct http://youtu.be/F4aSfX47Mgo

Map: Trouble spots in Central America and the Caribbean http://wps.ablongman.com/wps/media/objects/1483/1518969/DIVI695.jpg


 * 3. Reagan Doctrine**

U.S. would openly support all anticommunist fighters.

Reagan Doctrine, 1985 https://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/rd/17741.htm


 * Presidential Election (1984)**

President Reagan easily re-elected over Walter Mondale.

Campaign commercials (Living Room Candidate) http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1984


 * Iran–Contra scandal**

Two sides to the issue: Contras in Nicaragua and US arms sales to Iran

U.S supported those fighting against (contra) the communists in Nicaragua.

After Vietnam and Watergate, Congress anxious to oversee foreign policy

Congress ordered Reagan not to continue support of Contras. Reagan disobeyed.

Reagan Endorses CIA Support of Nicaraguan Contras []

Video: President Ronald Reagan - Address on Iran-Contra http://youtu.be/R67CH-qhXJs

Iran-Contra Scandal Breaks http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/November/Iran-Contra-Scandal-Breaks-in-a-Lebanese-Magazine.html

Role of Oliver North. Sold arms to Iran (illegal) and our enemy. Used profits to send to the Contras to keep fighting Communists


 * PRESIDENT GEORGE HERBERT WALKER BUSH (BUSH #41)**

Video: George H.W. Bush bio https://youtu.be/-cGgBQsG5WA

Video: George H.W. Bush (60-Second Presidents) (PBS) https://youtu.be/XBi-rFFkotQ


 * Presidential election of 1988**

In Reagan's footsteps. Accused of the 'wimp factor" Peace abroad and a stable domestic economy

Campaign commercials 1988 (Living Room Candidate) http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1988


 * Bush Presidency**

Bush against government action to solve economic & social problems. Carried his approach too far and defended it too insensitively. Many voters want to limit government in the abstract Most want to keep safety net of government transfer payments

"Read my lips: no new taxes." Assertion made during the 1988 presidential campaign

Broke his promise to get Congress to help balance the budget


 * Fall of the Berlin Wall (October 1989)**

Video: The Berlin Wall Falls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnCPdLlUgvo

Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, 1989 https://history.state.gov/milestones/1989-1992/fall-of-communism The Berlin Wall Comes Down http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/November/The-Berlin-Wall-Comes-Down.html


 * End of the Cold War**

Map: The End of the Cold War http://wps.ablongman.com/wps/media/objects/1483/1518969/DIVI703.jpg

The Collapse of the Soviet Union https://history.state.gov/milestones/1989-1992/collapse-soviet-union
 * Tiananmen Square**

Tiananmen Square, 1989 https://history.state.gov/milestones/1989-1992/tiananmen-square Chinese troops crush the protests http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/May-June-08/On-This-Day--Chinese-Troops-Overtake-Tiananmen-Square.html Video: Tank Man: (start at 3:02) http://youtu.be/SACHK-W4o1E


 * Invasion of Panama (December 1989)**

Video: U.S. Invades Panama - 20 December 1989 https://youtu.be/MDZMseL6G10

US Forces Invade Panama []


 * Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) (1991)**

Successful effort to push Iraq out of Kuwait. Decision not to invade rest of Iraq or go after Saddam Hussein Subsequent opinions on whether U.S. made correct choices

The Gulf War, 1991 https://history.state.gov/milestones/1989-1992/gulf-war Video: The Gulf War 1991 http://youtu.be/If71ek0iSIQ

Iraq Invades Kuwait Leading to Persian Gulf War http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/July-August-08/On-this-Day--Iraq-Invades-Kuwait--Leading-to-Persian-Gulf-War.html

Map: Trouble spots in the Middle East http://wps.ablongman.com/wps/media/objects/1483/1518969/DIVI694.jpg


 * 1992 Presidential election loss to Bill Clinton**

Campaign commercials (Living Room Candidate) http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992


 * PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON**

Video: Bill Clinton bio https://youtu.be/w2yX0JAn10Y

Video: (Bill Clinton) 60-Second Presidents (PBS) https://youtu.be/6ZaEOeoHJw8


 * Election of 1992**

Campaign commercials website (Living Room Candidate) http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992

1. Republican George H.W. Bush (Bush #41). Incumbent President Seemed to lack the "vision thing." Faulted for concentrating on foreign policy.

2. Democrat Bill Clinton. Arkansas governor. "New democrat." More toward center. Democrats countered: "it's the economy, stupid."

3. Ross Perot. Texas billionaire led a third–party bid.

Video: Giant Sucking Sound - Ross Perot 1992 Presidential Debate http://youtu.be/Rkgx1C_S6ls

4. Clinton won electoral college (with only 43% of popular vote)


 * Somalia ("Black Hawk Down") 1993**

Video: Inside the Real Black Hawk Down | No Man Left Behind http://youtu.be/O1uvpakorog

Somalia, 1992–1993 https://history.state.gov/milestones/1993-2000/somalia

Ambush in Mogadishu (FRONTLINE) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ambush/


 * 1994 Congressional elections**

Republicans won both houses of Congress for the first time since 1954.

Newt Gingrich became the outspoken/controversial House Speaker.

Republicans offered a "Contract with America": a list of reforms to be passed during the first One Hundred Days.


 * Government Shutdowns (1995-1996)**

Congressional Republicans shut down government over balanced budget https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_government_shutdowns_of_1995%E2%80%931996

They were seen by many as ideologically inflexible.


 * Presidential Election of 1996: Clinton ran for a second term**

President Clinton seen as reasonable and moderate Protector of certain federal programs that Congress attacked. Gained support of women, who benefited from such programs.

Campaign commercials (Living Room Candidate) 1996 http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1996


 * War in Europe: Kosovo**

Map: The Breakup of Yugoslavia/Civil War in Bosnia http://wps.ablongman.com/wps/media/objects/1483/1518969/DIVI725.jpg

Balkans War: a brief guide http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17632399

Republicans will later be against any idea of nation-building.


 * Impeachment attempted over the Monica Lewinsky affair**

President Clinton Admits to Affair With Monica Lewinsky []

Video: The Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal | National Geographic http://youtu.be/9M9TZ1ebQCA

Impeachment summary (BBC News) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/events/clinton_under_fire/timeline/168540.stm


 * Bill Clinton legacy**

"Breathtakingly bright but capable of doing really dumb things."

Hillary Clinton's present and future role.


 * PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH (BUSH #43)**

Video: George W. Bush bio https://youtu.be/lAvv-zPLurs

Video: (George W. Bush) 60-Second Presidents (PBS) https://youtu.be/lEzWhB6BPcY

Campaign commercials http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2000 http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2004

Election of 2000 http://wps.ablongman.com/wps/media/objects/1483/1518969/DIVI730.jpg


 * PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA**

Video: Barack Obama bio http://youtu.be/1-IgxSn21jU

Video: Barack Obama (60-Second Presidents) (PBS) https://youtu.be/tZO37dPaSQw

Campaign commercials http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2008 http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2012