-
Clinton defeats Bush and Perot for presidency
Clinton was the first democrat in office in a while because of his efforts to point the party away from its traditional antibusiness, dovish, champion-of-the-underdog orientation and toward pro-growth, strong defense, and anti-crime policies. Ross Perot is notable for being an independent candidate and winning almost 20% of the votes. -
NAFTA signed
The North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement created a free-trade zone encompassing Mexico, Canada, and the US. Free trade policies help businesses by making trade cheaper. By supporting NAFTA, Clinton reversed his 1992 stance and angered some Democrats. -
1994 Midterm elections
Republicans won a majority in both the House and the Senate. This forced Clinton to be more moderate in his policies. -
Clinton wins reelection
Clinton defeated Bob Dole and Ross Perot, mostly because of how well the economy was doing. It was an easy victory against Dole's less energetic campaign efforts -
Welfare Reform Bill becomes law
The Welfare Reform Bill made deep cuts in welfare grants and required able-bodied welfare recipients to find employment; it also restricted welfare benefits for immigrants. Clinton's party members felt betrayed by his support of this bill. -
Clinton-Lewinsky scandal
Clinton had sexual relations with a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, and blatantly lied about it under oath. These actions contributed to Clinton's impeachment trial -
Clinton's Impeachment Trial
The House passed two articles of impeachment against Clinton: perjury before a grand jury and obstruction of justice. In the final vote, the Senate was split in half, but they needed a two-thirds majority vote for Clinton to be impeached