George H. W. Bush

George H. W. Bush presidential portrait (cropped)

George Herbert Walker Bush (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018) was an American politician, diplomat, and businessman who served as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. Prior to his presidency, Bush was the 43rd Vice President of the United States under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989. He also held various other positions in the U.S. government, including Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Early Life and Education

George H.W. Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts, to Prescott Sheldon Bush, a banker and U.S. Senator, and Dorothy Walker Bush. He grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, and attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. After graduating in 1942, Bush enlisted in the United States Navy on his 18th birthday and became one of the youngest aviators in Navy history during World War II. After the war, he attended Yale University, where he graduated in 1948 with a degree in economics.

Political Career

Bush's political career began in 1964 when he ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate but was later elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1966, representing Texas's 7th district. After serving two terms, he was appointed to a series of high-level positions: Ambassador to the United Nations in 1971, Chairman of the Republican National Committee during the Watergate scandal, U.S. Envoy to China in 1974, and Director of the CIA in 1976.

In 1980, Bush sought the Republican nomination for president but was defeated by Ronald Reagan, who then selected him as his running mate. They won the election, and Bush served as Vice President for two terms. In 1988, Bush was elected President, defeating Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis.

Presidency

During his presidency, Bush navigated the end of the Cold War, overseeing the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He also led a coalition of countries in the Gulf War to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait, a campaign that was seen as a significant foreign policy success. Domestically, his presidency was marked by economic challenges, including a recession and debates over budget deficits.

Post-Presidency

After losing the 1992 presidential election to Bill Clinton, Bush retired from active political life but remained engaged in various humanitarian activities. He worked alongside Bill Clinton and other former presidents on relief efforts following natural disasters and was involved in numerous charitable endeavors.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bush married Barbara Pierce in 1945, and they had six children, including George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, and Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida. George H.W. Bush's presidency is often remembered for its foreign policy achievements and for his call for a "kinder, gentler nation" in domestic affairs. He passed away on November 30, 2018, at the age of 94.