George W. Bush's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of George W. Bush. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

George W. Bush, the 43rd U.S. President (2001-2009), is a prominent figure in American politics. Son of President George H.W. Bush, he served as the governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000. His presidency was largely defined by the September 11th terrorist attacks, which led to the launch of the "War on Terror," including military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Other key policy initiatives included education reform through the "No Child Left Behind Act," tax cuts, and debates surrounding social issues. Bush's administration faced criticism regarding its handling of Hurricane Katrina and the financial crisis of 2008.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1994: Elected Governor of Texas

In 1994, George W. Bush was elected as the governor of Texas.

1998: Won Re-election as Governor

In 1998, George W. Bush won re-election as governor of Texas with a record 68 percent of the vote.

2000: Won the 2000 Presidential Election

In 2000, George W. Bush defeated Al Gore in the presidential election after a contested result ultimately decided by the Supreme Court case Bush v. Gore.

2000: Bush Named Time's Person of the Year

In 2000, Time magazine named George W. Bush as its Person of the Year, a title awarded to someone who the editors believe "has done the most to influence the events of the year".

2000: Fiscal Year Surplus

In fiscal year 2000, the U.S. had a surplus of $237 billion, marking the largest surplus ever.

2002: No Child Left Behind Act Signed Into Law

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 target more federal funding to low-income schools. The act passed with broad bipartisan support.

January 2003: State of the Union Address

In the State of the Union address in January 2003, President Bush outlined a five-year strategy for global emergency AIDS relief, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

2003: Another Tax Cut Passed

By 2003, the economy showed signs of improvement under George W. Bush, and another tax cut was passed.

2003: Medicare Act Signed

Following Republican efforts, George W. Bush signed the Medicare Act of 2003, which included major changes to the Medicare program by providing beneficiaries with assistance in paying for prescription drugs.

2004: Re-elected President

In 2004, George W. Bush was re-elected as president, defeating John Kerry.

January 2005: Elections in Iraq

In January 2005, Iraq held elections, recognized by the West as free and fair, for the first time in 50 years.

October 2005: Referendum to Approve Constitution in Iraq

In October 2005, a referendum to approve a constitution in Iraq was held, supported by most Shiites and many Kurds.

2006: Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Declared National Monument

In 2006, George W. Bush declared the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a national monument, creating the largest marine reserve to date, called the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

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, as a result of three-way talks initiated by the United States and including China.

June 2007: Enthusiastic Greeting in Albania

During a June 2007 visit to Albania, President Bush was greeted enthusiastically, with displays of Albanian and American flags, a local street named after him, and a statue of him unveiled.

June 2007: Street Renamed in Tirana, Albania

In June 2007, a street in Tirana, Albania, was renamed after George W. Bush a few days before his first-ever visit to Albania as an American president.

July 2007: Unemployment Dropped to 4.5%

In July 2007, the unemployment rate subsequently dropped to 4.5%.

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: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act Signed Into Law

On May 21, 2008, George W. Bush signed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act into law, designed to protect Americans against health insurance and employment discrimination based on genetic information.

July 2008: Withdrawal of 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 initiated the withdrawal of additional American forces.