Introduction

The war with Iraq impinged on a great deal of President George W. Bush’s decisions as president for the eight consecutive years that he was in office. Terrorist bombings terrified the people, and the tragic September 11 incident came as an unforeseen shock that tainted the spirits of millions in ways unimaginable. But even so, it brought the nation closer together, forcing people to realize that they essentially were one whole rather than millions of individuals. Bush recognized that **//something//** needed to be done in order to secure safety and justice, so soon after he declared Operation "Iraqi Freedom" and sent troops to invade Iraq. War had begun. Also around the same time, in the year of 2004, Republicans solidified control in both houses of Congress as Bush’s impressive reaction to the Iraqi incidents lead to his reelection that same year. No one knew where exactly the country was going, but they knew that they needed a strong leader to give them an optimistic view on the future and point them in the right direction after Bush’s four years were up. Changes brought about in the next five years from 2005-2010 would impact and change the lives of millions of people for countless years to follow, along with the United States itself.
 * The Years of Instilled Hope, Fear, and Unity **
 * (Bringing the Country Together): 2005-2010 **