The Nixon Administration 1969-1974

The Return of Nixon Unsuccessfully ran for governor of CA in 1962; political career thought to be done Three way race in 1968 George Wallace- Conservative independent Hubert Humphrey- liberal VP Richard Nixon- Republican nominee Despite possibility of split vote, Nixon comfortably wins

Nixon’s Foreign Policy On Vietnam Main goal: to reduce US involvement without the US looking like it lost the war Vietnamization Gradually withdraw troops and give money, supplies and training to South Vietnam to fight the war 540,000 troops in 1969 to 30,000 in 1972 Nixon Doctrine Asian allies will receive monetary support in the future but no troop support

Nixon’s Foreign Policy On Vietnam 1970- orders invasion of Cambodia to combat Vietcong Draws protest including Kent State where four students are killed After weeks of heavy bombing in 1972, North Vietnam agrees to a cease-fire

Paris Accords (1973) US will withdraw all troops from Vietnam Cease-fire and free elections Not effective and the war still continued between the North and South North Vietnam will take over the country once the US leaves

Nixon’s Foreign Policy Détente- the reduction of Cold War tensions On China Nixon visits China (1972) Led to friendlier relations with China US recognizes communist China in 1979

Nixon’s Foreign Policy On the Soviets Used friendly relations with China to pressure Soviets into Strategic Arms Limitations Talks Didn’t stop the arms race However, it did begin to decrease tension

Nixon’s Domestic Policies New Federalism A shift of moving federal social programs to the state and local governments through block grants Lessen the burden on the federal by spreading the burden Attempt to impound funds Nixon tried to take funds appropriated to various programs to avoid spending the money Courts ruled this unconstitutional, the President must execute laws passed by Congress whether or not he agreed with it

Nixon’s Economic Policies US entered a recession in 1970 Economic growth slowed and inflation increased Stagflation = inflation + stagnant economy Nixon first tried to cut spending Further hurt the economy than helped Began deficit spending (like New Deal) 90 day wage and price freeze Took the dollar off the gold standard

Watergate June 1972- men caught breaking into the Democratic National Committee’s HQ at the Watergate Hotel Nixon’s involvement in the break-in is unknown, it is known that his administration tried to cover up the crime

Tapes and Lies Nixon’s tape-recording system recorded the cover-up Over time, the media and courts forced Nixon to release the tapes (although he attempted to release edited tapes first) Nixon claimed executive privilege and that he didn’t have to give them up Courts ruled that he had to give them up Facing impeachment, Nixon resigns

Other Issues in Nixon’s 2nd Term War Powers Act (1973) President must get approval from Congress for any military actions over 60 days Seven Days War (Arabs vs Israel) US gives support to Israel To punish the US for supporting Israel; OPEC put an embargo on oil to the US

OPEC Oil Embargo 1967 Impacts Worldwide oil shortage Impact on US manufacturing jobs Lower standard of living for lower class workers Americans start buying smaller Japanese cars hurting American auto industry Overall, economic hardship