Chapter 20: Into a New Century (1992–Today)
Summary
One of the most important technological advances of the twentieth century was the development of computers, which affected business, industry, and science. Computers, satellites, and the Internet created an "information age," that allowed anyone to have access to information quickly. Computers and other technology have increased global businesses, as well as increased jobs in the service sector and decreased organized labor.
William Jefferson Clinton positioned himself as a "New Democrat," a moderate position that helped him win the 1992 presidential election with promises of social and economic opportunity. Clinton successfully introduced new laws involving medical leave and waiting periods for buying handguns, but failed to win support of healthcare reforms. In the mid-term election of 1994, Republicans won control of the House of Representatives, but an economic boom helped Clinton to win reelection two years later. The 2000 presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush resulted in such a close vote that a recount was needed and the Supreme Court had to intervene. Bush's priorities were tax cuts to stimulate the economy, as well as addressing education and the needs of senior citizens. On September 11, 2001, a foreign enemy attacked the United States for the first time since Pearl Harbor when terrorists crashed planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon causing the U.S. to declare war on terrorism. The war on terrorism helped Bush win reelection in 2004.
Chapter Outline
Section 1: The Computer and Technology Revolutions
Section 2: The Clinton Presidency
Section 3: Global Politics and Economics
Section 4: The George W. Bush Presidency
Section 5: Americans Look to the Future
One of the most important technological advances of the twentieth century was the development of computers, which affected business, industry, and science. Computers, satellites, and the Internet created an "information age," that allowed anyone to have access to information quickly. Computers and other technology have increased global businesses, as well as increased jobs in the service sector and decreased organized labor.
William Jefferson Clinton positioned himself as a "New Democrat," a moderate position that helped him win the 1992 presidential election with promises of social and economic opportunity. Clinton successfully introduced new laws involving medical leave and waiting periods for buying handguns, but failed to win support of healthcare reforms. In the mid-term election of 1994, Republicans won control of the House of Representatives, but an economic boom helped Clinton to win reelection two years later. The 2000 presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush resulted in such a close vote that a recount was needed and the Supreme Court had to intervene. Bush's priorities were tax cuts to stimulate the economy, as well as addressing education and the needs of senior citizens. On September 11, 2001, a foreign enemy attacked the United States for the first time since Pearl Harbor when terrorists crashed planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon causing the U.S. to declare war on terrorism. The war on terrorism helped Bush win reelection in 2004.
Chapter Outline
Section 1: The Computer and Technology Revolutions
Section 2: The Clinton Presidency
Section 3: Global Politics and Economics
Section 4: The George W. Bush Presidency
Section 5: Americans Look to the Future