Who Was George H. W. Bush?

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

President Bush followed one of the most beloved presidents of U.S. history (Ronald Reagan) and promised the U.S. that he would create "a kinder and gentler nation."

His predecessor increased military spending and cut taxes for the American people and President Bush had to follow that legacy during a time of a large budget deficit (the U.S. owed a lot of nations money), and not enough revenue to fund federal programs (not enough money for the federal government).

Without money to fund programs and policies, the government can't be successful or sustain itself. Unfortunately, since 1775, when the United States had to find a way to fund the Revolutionary War, America has been in debt. The government of the U.S. has owed money to someone for the past 240+ years. This debt has increased every year and, as of 2016, the national debt was $19 trillion (that is $19,000,000,000,000!). If the debt were divided among every American in 2016, each adult person would owe $61,224.79! You'd better start saving!

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Money makes the world go around"? If you think about it, it physically can't make the world spin on its axis, but it certainly does make things happen, and can either create opportunities for people or literally leave people out in the cold.

Learn more about debt with the following quiz:

Now, create a list of facts about George H. Bush's life and presidency. You will use this list later to create your own worksheet for your teacher or parent to fill out.

Watch the George H Bush video below from the American Presidents Series, and read George H. W. Bush from The Presidents of the United States of America, by Frank Freidel and Hugh Sidey.

Now you can compare your list with the extensive one in the next section.