Mr Powell is one of the most prominent black US politicians and his hugely popular. His speech was part of the Republicans' efforts to appeal to minority voters.
The overall theme or mission statement was "Renewing America's Purpose. Together."
Below are the main highlights. Click on the links for more detail.
Day One
31 July: "Opportunity with a Purpose: Leave no Child behind".
Education was the main theme, with Republicans keen to be seen as compassionate conservatives.
In a keynote speech the retired Gulf War general Colin Powell said Mr Bush could "help bridge" the country's racial divide.
Mr Powell is one of the most prominent black US politicians and his hugely popular. His speech was part of the Republicans' efforts to appeal to minority voters.
"In pursuing educational reform, as well as in all other parts of his agenda for Texas, Governor Bush has reached out to all Texans - white, black, Latino, Asian, Native American," Mr Powell said.
Although he stayed out of the running to be vice president, Mr Powell is tipped as a potential Secretary of State in a Bush administration.
George W Bush's wife, Laura Bush, spoke even though she once made her husband promise she would never have to make a speech.
She also took up the theme of inclusion, stressing the importance of early learning and childhood development programmes.
Day Two
Tuesday,1 August: "Strength and Security with a Purpose: Safe in our Homes and in the World".
The US military was the main theme with war heroes endorsing George W Bush as the Republican candidate.
Arizona Senator John McCain, a Vietnam war veteran who was a strong rival to Mr Bush for the Republican nomination, told delegates: "I support him, I am grateful to him, and I am proud of him".
Mr Bush's foreign affairs adviser Condoleezza Rice pledged a Bush administration would push ahead with deployment of a national missile defence shield, despite Russian opposition to the plan and the reluctance of US allies.
Mr Bush spoke to the convention via a satellite link from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
"Morale in our military today is dangerously low," said the Texas governor. "As commander-in-chief, I will rebuild our military and strengthen our alliances."
Retired Gulf War general, Norman Schwarzkopf, joined the military theme in a speech via a satellite link from the battleship USS New Jersey.
Day Three
Wednesday, 2 August: "Prosperity with a Purpose: Keeping America Prosperous and Protecting Retirement Security."
The big event was a speech by George W Bush's running mate Dick Cheney - the first time a vice-presidential candidate has had a night to himself.
In his speech Mr Cheney accused the Clinton-Gore administration of squandering the opportunities of the past eight years.
"We are all a little weary of the Clinton-Gore routine," he said. "But the wheel has turned. And it is time.
"It is time for them to go."
It was a popular message - some 2,000 delegates erupted in cheers and waved Bush-Cheney placards.
Mr Bush arrived at the Convention on Wednesday and was there to hear the speech.
Day Four
Thursday, 3 August: "President with a Purpose: A strong leader who can unite our country and get things done."
On the climax of the four-day convention, George W Bush made a speech to formally accept his party's nomination.
To waves of applause he said the Democrats had failed to lead the US effectively - on the military, on education, on social programmes and moral leadership.
"They had their chance," he said. "They have not led.
"We will."