1. Presidents of Late 20 th Century

2. Richard Nixon (1969-1974) The Nixon Administration – Tried to reduce power of federal government through New Federalism – Used “Southern Strategy” to attract support from white Southern voters – Faced stagflation, where unemployment and inflation increased – OPEC embargo led to gas shortages – Opened relationship with China

3. Richard Nixon (1969-1974) Watergate Scandal – Attempt to cover up a burglary of Democratic Party headquarters – Tape-recorded meeting proved Nixon knew about cover-up – Nixon tried to refuse handing over tapes, citing executive privilege, but Court disagreed

4. Richard Nixon (1969-1974) July 1974: House of Representatives committee voted to impeach Nixon August 8, 1974: Nixon resigned Watergate and Vietnam led many Americans to distrust the government

5. Gerald Ford (1974-1977) “Accidental President” Pardoned Nixon Negotiated Helsinki Accords Economic Problems – Runaway inflation – Oil shortages – Recession

6. Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) Energy conservation High Inflation Camp David Accords – Negotiated peace between Israel and Egypt Known for Support of Human Rights Overshadowed by economy and Iran Hostage Crisis

7. Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) Symbol of a New Conservative Movement “Reaganomics” – Reduce size and power of government – Cut government spending and lower taxes – Increased military spending – Triggered huge government deficits End of Cold War

8. George H.W. Bush (1989-1993) Desert Storm “…No New Taxes”

9. Bill Clinton (1993-2001) Serious Conflicts With Congress Government Shutdown Ethnic Cleansing in Bosnia and Kosovo Impeachment Trial Budget Surplus

10. George W. Bush (2001-2009) Controversial Election of 2000 Attacks of September 11, 2011 War on Terror – “Weapons of Mass Destruction” – Death of Saddam Hussein Economic Recession