The Clinton Years

Former Arkansas governor, William Jefferson Clinton, was elected president of the United States on November 3, 1992, defeating incumbent George H.W. Bush. Clinton’s first term was highlighted by the signing of the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. In April of 1993, the new administration was faced with the crisis in Waco, followed two years later with the deadly bombing in Oklahoma City. Another low point for the Clinton presidency occurred in Somalia on October 3, 1993. During the battle of Mogadishu, 19 American servicemen were killed, 73 wounded and 1 captured in a military operation that went wrong.

In 1994, Republicans made big gains in the mid-term elections, but soon after that, the U.S. engaged militarily in the Balkans. A successful bombing campaign led to the Dayton Peace Accords. Domestically, Clinton had to navigate legal matters with the Whitewater investigation which turned into the Monica Lewinsky affair and, eventually, impeachment by the House of Representatives. The president was acquitted of all charges by the Senate. The administration’s economic policies led to a strong economy, with low unemployment and a rise in home ownership. By the end his term in office, the Clinton administration was posting a budget surplus, and the president had high poll numbers upon leaving office.

On June 3, 1992, former Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton shakes up the political world by appearing on the Arsenio Hall Show playing “Heartbreak Hotel” and “God Bless the Child” on his saxophone. (Credit: AP)

Bill Clinton and Al Gore appear before a crowd of 40,000 supporters in Little Rock, Arkansas, on election night, November 4, 1992. They received over 43% of the popular vote and defeated incumbent George H.W. Bush. (Credit: Ray Foli/UP)

Standing between his daughter Chelsea and wife Hillary, William Jefferson Clinton is being sworn in as the 42nd President of the United States on January 20, 1993. (Credit: White House photo)

PLO leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin shake hands as President Bill Clinton looks on at White House signing ceremony for the Oslo Accords, September 13, 1993. (Credit: AFP)

As members of the White House staff gathered on the lawn to greet Clinton on his return from Little Rock after his election night victory, the newly elected president stops to hug a smiling Monica Lewinsky. The embrace is caught by a CNN /pool camera. (Credit: CNN)

First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton looks on as President Bill Clinton thanks Democratic members of the House of Representatives who voted against his impeachment, December 19, 1998. (Credit: AP/Susan Walsh)

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