George W. Bush's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of George W. Bush. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
George W. Bush served as the 43rd U.S. President (2001-2009). A Republican and son of President George H.W. Bush, he previously served as the 46th Governor of Texas (1995-2000). His presidency was largely defined by the September 11th terrorist attacks, leading to the launch of the War on Terror, including military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Domestically, he enacted education reform through the No Child Left Behind Act, as well as tax cuts and expansion of Medicare. His administration faced criticism for its handling of Hurricane Katrina and the financial crisis of 2008.
1994: Election as Governor of Texas
In 1994, George W. Bush was elected as the Governor of Texas, marking a significant step in his political career.
1998: Re-election as Governor of Texas
In 1998, George W. Bush won re-election as Governor of Texas with a record 68 percent of the vote.
1998: Sale of Texas Rangers Shares
In 1998, George W. Bush's sale of his shares in the Texas Rangers brought him over $15 million from his initial investment.
2000: Elected President of the United States
In 2000, George W. Bush won the presidential election against Al Gore after a contested Electoral College win.
2000: George W. Bush, Time Person of the Year
In 2000, Time magazine named George W. Bush as its Person of the Year for his influence on the year's events.
2002: No Child Left Behind Act Signed into Law in 2002
In early 2002, George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law, aiming to measure and close the gap between rich and poor student performance and provide options to parents with students in low-performing schools.
January 2003: Announcement of PEPFAR
In the State of the Union address in January 2003, Bush outlined a five-year strategy for global emergency AIDS relief, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
2004: Re-election as President
In 2004, George W. Bush was re-elected as President, defeating John Kerry and winning the popular vote.
January 2005: Elections Held in Iraq
In January 2005, elections recognized by the West as free and fair were held in Iraq for the first time in 50 years.
October 2005: Referendum to Approve a Constitution in Iraq
In October 2005, a referendum to approve a constitution in Iraq was held, supported by most Shiites and many Kurds.
2006: Creation of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in 2006
In 2006, George W. Bush declared the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a national monument, creating the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the largest marine reserve to date, comprising 84 million acres and home to 7,000 species.
May 7, 2007: North Korea Agrees to Shut Down Nuclear Reactors
On May 7, 2007, North Korea agreed to shut down its nuclear reactors immediately pending the release of frozen funds held in a foreign bank account.
June 2007: Street Renamed in Albania
In June 2007, a street in Tirana, Albania, was renamed after George W. Bush, coinciding with the first-ever visit by an American president to Albania, showing recognition of his contributions.
September 2, 2007: North Korea Agrees to Disclose and Dismantle Nuclear Programs
On September 2, 2007, North Korea agreed to disclose and dismantle all its nuclear programs by the end of 2007.
May 21, 2008: Signing of Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act on May 21, 2008
On May 21, 2008, George W. Bush signed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act into law, protecting Americans against health insurance and employment discrimination based on genetic information.
July 2008: Withdrawal of Additional American Forces
By July 2008, American troop deaths had reached their lowest number since the war began, and due to increased stability in Iraq, Bush withdrew additional American forces.
2012: Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana Awarded
In 2012, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves awarded George W. Bush the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana for his work in expanding NATO, recognizing his contributions to international relations and security.
June 2013: Bush's Positive Ratings Exceed Negative
In June 2013, for the first time recorded by Gallup, George W. Bush's favorability ratings were more positive than negative, with 49 percent viewing him favorably compared to 46 percent unfavorably. This marked a significant turning point in public perception.
2013: PEPFAR's Impact
By 2013, The U.S. government had spent some $44 billion on PEPFAR and related programs which saved an estimated five million lives.
February 2017: Bush Releases Book of Veteran Portraits
In February 2017, George W. Bush released "Portraits of Courage", a book featuring his portraits of veterans.
February 2017: Bush Releases 'Portraits of Courage'
In February 2017, George W. Bush released "Portraits of Courage", a book of his paintings of veterans.
2017: Improved Public Image
In 2017, George W. Bush's public image saw greater improvement, with a YouGov survey showing 51 percent of favorability from Democrats, indicating a shift in perception across party lines.
2018: Favorable View of Bush
In 2018, a CNN poll found that 61 percent of respondents held a favorable view of George W. Bush, an increase of nine points from 2015, suggesting a continued improvement in his public image.
September 11, 2021: Bush Commemorates 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks
On September 11, 2021, George W. Bush gave a speech at the Flight 93 National Memorial on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, praising the heroism of those on Flight 93 and the spirit of America.
2023: Estimated Lives Saved by PEPFAR
By 2023, PEPFAR was estimated to have saved over 25 million lives, alleviating the severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
