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Politics & World • US President

George W. Bush

George W.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

George W. Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. Before becoming president, he was governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000 and previously worked in business and professional baseball administration. His presidency was shaped by the September 11 attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and domestic policy debates over taxes, education, and Medicare.

Early life and education

George W. Bush was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1946 and grew up mainly in Texas. He attended Yale University and Harvard Business School before entering the private sector.

Business and political career

Before the presidency, Bush worked in the oil business and later served as managing general partner of the Texas Rangers. He was elected governor of Texas in 1994 and re-elected in 1998.

Presidency

Bush served as president from 2001 to 2009. His time in office was defined by the September 11 attacks, the war on terror, the invasion of Iraq, and major domestic policy efforts in education and Medicare.

Public image and legacy

Bush’s presidency was marked by both high approval and intense criticism at different points, especially during the Iraq War and the 2008 economic downturn. Historians continue to debate the long-term impact of his administration.

Key facts

  • Born in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in Midland and Houston, Texas.
  • He is the son of former U.S. president George H. W. Bush and is the second U.S. president whose father was also president.
  • He attended Yale University and Harvard Business School before entering business.
  • He became president after a highly contested election and won the Electoral College despite losing the national popular vote.
  • His administration responded to the September 11 attacks with the war on terror, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
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Canadian context

Bush’s presidency affected Canada through the post-9/11 security environment, NATO cooperation in Afghanistan, and wider North American trade and foreign-policy coordination.

Frequently asked questions

Who is George W. Bush?
George W. Bush is the 43rd president of the United States, serving from 2001 to 2009.
When was George W. Bush born?
He was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut.
What was George W. Bush’s job before becoming president?
He was governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000 and had also worked in business and baseball administration.
What major events defined his presidency?
The September 11 attacks, the war on terror, the Afghanistan War, and the Iraq War were central to his presidency.
Was George W. Bush related to another president?
Yes. He is the son of George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States.

References

  1. George W. Bush White House Archiveshttps://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/president/biography.html
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, presidency dates, and early biographical details.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/George-W-Bush
    Supports: Overview of Bush’s life, election, presidency, major policies, and major events.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/summary/George-W-Bush
    Supports: Concise summary of education, career before office, election, and Afghanistan response.
  4. White House Historical Associationhttps://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/george-w-bush
    Supports: Family background and early life in Texas.
  5. Miller Centerhttps://www.millercenter.org/president/gwbush/life-in-brief
    Supports: Context on his presidency, major challenges, and his place in presidential history.
  6. George W. Bush Presidential Centerhttps://www.bushcenter.org/about-us/the-bush-family/george-w-bush
    Supports: Presidential term and biographical overview.