The 1990s

Former Presidents George H. W. Bush and William J. Clinton, January 2005

After the end of the Cold War, the foreign policy of the United States shifted toward helping other countries and people who were in need, as well as fighting for the human rights of others who were in oppressive regimes. During President George H. W. Bush’s term, the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe led to the reunification of Germany, the collapse of the country of Yugoslavia into fighting, and finally the end of the Soviet Union. President George H. W. Bush also led the United States into the Persian Gulf War, named Operation Desert Storm, to free Kuwait from Iraqi invasion. This was the first war in which women officially served in combat roles in the United States military. During President William J. Clinton’s two terms, the United States increased trade with the North American Free Trade Agreement, restored diplomatic ties with Vietnam, ended economic sanctions against South Africa once apartheid was stopped, and fought in a NATO action to stop the violence in Yugoslavia.