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History Timeline from 1990 to 2010
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The Berlin Wall Destroyed
The separation of East and West Germany was a separation of communism from free people. The wall separated the 2 sides of the city and separated families and a community. Many world leaders called for the wall to come down but it wasn't until October 3,1990, that the wall was torn down. People, families, and the country was reunited. It was a complete change for the people who had been forced into communism. It was a symbolic end to the Cold War in Europe.(Locke and Wright, 283) -
1993 Bill Clinton became the president of the United States
When Clinton was elected, most American expected him to focus on the economy at the time he was elected and his campaign slogan "putting people first" was an important part of what he wanted people to know about him. He was good for this role because this was the work he had campaigned on from his time as governor of Arkansas. He had a strong reputation for policy analysis and was ready to make this work for the country and the people. It was expected of him.
(Kruise and Zelizer, 204) -
Health Care Reform
The Health Security Act provided universal coverage for Americans and basic benefits. This reform was intended to create competition between healthcare providers and allow for the American people to have choice between plans. The intention was that everyone was supposed to have the opportunity to enroll in a healthcare plan. Ultimately, the plan was defeated in the government as the support for it eroded over time. (Kruise and Zelizer, 211) -
The Monica Lewinsky Scandal
Numerous rumors of misconduct in the Clinton presidency about the affair with Monica Lewinsky led to the denial and later admission of the affair. Congress looked for a reason to diminish the Clinton administration. This scandal led them to an impeachment hearing. He denied any inappropriate relation with Lewinsky to a grand jury and to the American public caused a disapproval rating by two-thirds of the country. He was acquitted but his career was significantly damaged. (Locke and Wright, 417) -
The 2000 Presidential Election
This election put Vice President Al Gore against George W. Bush. Gore detached himself from Clinton thinking that it would affect his chances of becoming president. Bush shows a conservative view and a faith-based view. This was a position that brought a good deal of voters to his campaign. Gore didn't take the approach in his campaign to cite the good in Clinton’s presidency and share the credit for the work by the administration. Finally, Bush’s campaign was successful. (Locke and Wright, 418) -
War in Iraq Begins
Bagndad, Iraq was bombed by Americans for the first time. There were hundreds of thousands of troops that invaded Iraq to overturn Sadam Hussain’s government and destroy the threats toward the US and other countries. No weapons of mass destruction was shown. War and threat continued for the next ten years. The intent was to rid Iraq of weapons of mass destruction. The threat of terrorism to the US and to free the Iraqi people from Hussain and his cruel government.(Locke and Wright, 422) -
Bush’s New Deal
Bush began the work on his New Deal in order to reform social security. Him handling this matter increased the number of people that disapprove of him being president. Bush then realized that he should use his voice to advance religious rights that he had campaigned for. After a Florida woman went into a vegetative state, her husband petitioned to remove her from life support. This matter gained national fame and exposed the policies that didn't align with his campaign.(Kruise and Zelizer,279) -
The Great Recession
The Great Recession made the inequities clear between the wealthy and the poor. Critically, the wages of the people were reduced along with the benefits. The economic changes continued to create opportunities for the wealthy and negatively affect the poor. Americans became frustrated and attempts to change this was not successful at slowing the inequities. Occupy Wall Street was major evidence that drew attention to the 1% of people with the most wealth in the country. (Locke and Wright, 427) -
Barack Obama - the 1st African American President
One of the first tenants of the Obama administration was that he opposed war and as a Senator was against the United States War in Iraq. He was consistent in his criticism of the invasion and started campaigning for president when he arrived in Washington. He noticed that his support continued outside of his home state. This was in direct opposition to the Bush administration that was blamed for the failed economy and the county’s continuous failed involvement in the war. (Locke and Wright, 429) -
Obamacare
After the Great Recession, Obama provided the healthcare reform that many other presidents were unable to get passed into law. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, soon known as Obamacare, provided an option for healthcare to all Americans. There were challenges but it was seen as a step in the right direction for many Americans without healthcare. Whilst there were many attempts after this to repeal this law, it continues to provide many Americans with options.(Locke and Wright, 429)