Bush took office in March 2001 and by September 11, 2001; the whole world was focused on New York City and the Pentagon with the attacks by Al-Qaeda operatives that resulted in the deaths of over 2,900 people. This event changed Bush's presidency forever. Bush ordered the invasion of Afghanistan and the overthrow of the Taliban which had been harboring Al-Qaeda training camps. An important education act during his term was the “No Child Left Behind Act” meant to improve public schools. On January 14, 2004 the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded killing all on board. In the wake of this, Bush announced a new plan for NASA and space exploration including sending people back to the moon by 2018. http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/georgewbush/
Presidential Years: 2001-2009