Continuity and Change From Ford to Carter

Gerald Ford Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned after being charged with cheating on his taxes and taking payments in return for political favors. Nixon choose Gerald R. Ford to replace Agnew. Ford was the Republican leader in the House of Representatives. When Nixon resigned, Ford became president. He was the first person ever to become president without having been elected either president or vice-president.

Ford Replaces Nixon

Ford Pardons Nixon President Ford granted a full pardon to Richard Nixon for any crime he may have committed. Ford’s reason was that this would be the best for America to put the scandal and shame behind us and move on

Ford as President Overall not very effective for several reasons Democratic controlled Congress lingering effect of Nixon Scandal Increasing inflation and economic crisis

The Economy Economic and energy problems continue to grow In 1973 OPEC cut U.S. Oil supply (war between Israel and Egypt/Syria)‏ 1974 resumed selling to U.S. But at 4x price Prices increased / inflation increases Ford promoted “Whip Inflation Now” (WIN) – called on Americans to cut back on energy use “Tight Money” policy – pushed for high interest rates to restrict credit

Ford’s Foreign Policy In foreign affairs, Ford continued the policy of détente and kept Kissinger as secretary of state. Congress refused to allow Ford to take part in Vietnam after N. Vietnam invaded the south. Responded with military force to recover a US cargo ship from the Cambodian navy. Signed the Helsinki Accords – which promised greater cooperation between eastern and western Europe

1976 Election and Bicentennial Ford’s overall ineffectiveness (economy, inflation and unemployment)‏ Along with the lingering of the Nixon issue A strong sense of distrust exists towards the Republicans America is ready for a change Sets the stage for little known peanut farmer Carter to win the election Bicentennial= 200 years (an America rebirth?)‏

James Carter Former naval office and graduate of the Naval Academy had a graduate degree in Nuclear Physics Peanut farmer and Governor of Georgia before running for President in 1976 Strict Baptist- may or may not have shaped political agenda?

Carter's Appeal Ecology, Human Rights, efficiency in government, and the removal of racial barriers made his platform Appealed to many because he was not from Washington (different from the establish politicians- i.e..- Nixon)‏ Came across as ‘trustworthy’ a Washington Outsider Promised never to lie to the American people

Carter’s -Domestic Policy Economic and Energy problems continued to grow OPEC raise oil prices again in 1979, causing gas lines to return Carter tried to deal with crisis with voluntary energy conservation Very little success in combating the crisis

Carter’s -Domestic Policy Fought for the passage of the National Energy Act- taxed gas guzzling cars and extended tax credits for dev. alt. fuelsof Ultimately economic and energy crisis will ruin his administration Washington outsider image worked against him since he had little knowledge of how DC politics worked

Civil Rights Carter appointed more African Americans and women to his administration than any previous president Andrew Young - 1st African American U.S. Ambasador to the UN

Carter’s Foreign Policy Under Carter Human Rights was to be the cornerstone of American Foreign Policy, Nations that violated Human Rights issues would be pushed/pressured to change. Official Line- America would only assist those nations who upheld proper HR. Not always the case

Carter’s Foreign Policy Plan Panama: Returns Panama Canal - Many in US were opposed, barely passed Senate vote China First US embassy in China- continue relations w/China

Carter’s Foreign Policy - II Middle East: Negotiated the Camp David Accords - Peace agreement between Egypt and Israel Soviets: Afghanistan invaded by USSR 1979- Carter responds by boycotting Olympics in USSR, and cancels SALT II agreement treaty

Iran Hostage Crisis Revolution in Iran overthrew the shah and replaced him with the Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini. The American government allowed the shah to enter the United States for medical treatment— this action enraged many Iranians. A mob attacked the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage. Carter’s attempts to negotiate the release of the hostages went nowhere.

1980 Election Carter runs again but does not campaign, stays in DC to work on release of hostages Poor economic conditions, failure in foreign policy issues spell end of Carter Administration The failed rescue attempt makes it even worse Ronald Reagan- Mr. Conservative runs and wins with 51% of the vote first true majority since 1964. Welcome to the Conservative resurgence