George W. Bush

Overview

George Walker Bush, born on July 6, 1946, is an American politician and businessman who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. His presidency was marked by significant events, including the response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and the initiation of the Iraq War. This timeline highlights key milestones in his life and presidency.

Main Milestones

Birth

July 6, 1946

George Walker Bush was born in New Haven, Connecticut, to George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush. He is the eldest son of the 41st president of the United States.

Graduation from Harvard Business School

1975

Bush graduated from Harvard Business School, which marked the beginning of his career in the oil industry and later in politics.

Election as Governor of Texas

1994

Bush was elected as the 46th governor of Texas, a position he held until 2000. During his tenure, he successfully sponsored legislation for tort reform, increased education funding, and reformed the criminal justice system.

Presidential Election

2000

Bush won the presidential election over Democratic incumbent Vice President Al Gore in a narrow and contested Electoral College win, despite losing the popular vote. This marked the beginning of his presidency.

September 11 Terrorist Attacks

September 11, 2001

The terrorist attacks on September 11 decisively reshaped Bush's administration, leading to the start of the war on terror and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

Invasion of Iraq

2003

Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime, based on the belief that they possessed weapons of mass destruction and had ties with al-Qaeda. This decision was highly controversial and had significant international implications.

Re-election

2004

Bush was re-elected president in a close race, beating Democratic opponent John Kerry and winning the popular vote.

Hurricane Katrina and Social Security Reform

2005

Bush faced criticism for his slow response to Hurricane Katrina, which devastated several states along the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, his attempt to reform Social Security, including partial privatization, met with strong opposition and ultimately failed.

End of Presidency

2009

Bush's presidential term ended, and he was succeeded by Democrat Barack Obama. He left office with a low approval rating but has since worked to solidify his legacy through various initiatives and charitable activities.

Publication of Memoir

2010

Bush published his memoir, "Decision Points", which provided personal insights into his policy decisions and experiences as president.

Publication of Biography on George H. W. Bush

2014

Bush published "41", a biography of his father, George H. W. Bush, which was released on Veteran's Day.