George H.W. Bush was elected president in 1988, becoming the first sitting vice president elected to the presidency since Martin Van Buren in 1836. During his one term as president, Bush oversaw Operation Desert Storm in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, launching a military campaign that successfully liberated Kuwait by February 1991 though Saddam Hussein remained in power in Iraq.

1. The Last 35 Years
Outcomes: Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, & George Bush Sr.

2. George Bush Sr.
8. 1988 Election
a. Reagan’s VP George H.W. Bush (R) ran against Michael Dukakis (D)
b. Bush became first serving VP to be elected Pres. Since Martin Van
Buren in 1836
c. Bush would only last one term

5. 1. Setting the Stage: Persian Gulf War
a. Saddam Hussein claimed Kuwait belonged to Iraq
b. Iraq invaded Kuwait on Aug 2, 1990
c. President Bush launched Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait
d. Cease-fire announced on Feb 28, 1991. Kuwait was liberated.
e. Saddam Hussein was still in control of Iraq

6. 1. Setting the Stage: Persian Gulf War
a. Saddam Hussein claimed Kuwait belonged to Iraq
b. Iraq invaded Kuwait on Aug 2, 1990
c. President Bush launched Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait
d. Cease-fire announced on Feb 28, 1991. Kuwait was liberated.
e. Saddam Hussein was still in control of Iraq