Richard Nixon Administration

Foreign Policy Nixon’s foreign policy had at least 3 Major Successes: 1. US got out of the Vietnam War 2. Re-opens trade relations with China 3.Arms Control with the Soviet Union “Détente” – relaxing of tensions

Domestic Policy The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Created by Nixon Manages air & water pollution Conducts environmental impact reviews for construction projects Worked with Congress to pass the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts: click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xabNO0h4vIU

Economy During Nixon’s administration, the US began to suffer from a combination of Inflation and Unemployment which is called “Stagflation”. Stagflation continues throughout the 1970’s

Watergate and CREEP The Committee to Re-Elect the President had also committed a series of illegal activities, in addition to activities to re-elect Nixon. In June, 1972 a group of men hired by CREEP were caught breaking into the offices of the Democratic National Committee Headquarters at the Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C. These men were found guilty and sent to prison. Nixon claimed to have no knowledge of how or why the “Plumbers” were involved.

Two Washington Post reporters, Robert Woodward, and Carl Bernstein, published a story claiming these burglars had ties to the Nixon administration. Information was uncovered showing that money and possible pardons had been promised to the burglars in exchange for their silence.

Senate Investigation These revelations led to a Senate investigation. These televised hearings showed Americans that the Nixon administration had carried out many unethical and possibly illegal activities. They also revealed knowledge of the WH in-house wire-tapping and tapes.

Cover-Up Through the testimony of White House lawyer, John Dean, the president was linked to a cover-up of the burglary. Also Nixon’s top aides, resigned to protect Nixon. They, along with many others were later indicted for obstruction of justice.

Nixon refused to release the WH tapes, which could have proved him innocent or guilty of knowledge in the Watergate break-in. This led to a year long struggle between Nixon, who claimed “executive privilege” for the tapes, and the investigators, who wanted the tapes to prove the cover-up charges.

Saturday Night Massacre The Nixon tapes were subpoenaed, but Nixon refused to turn them over. President Nixon ordered Attorney General to fire independent special prosecutor, Archibald Cox; he refused and resigned. Nixon then ordered Deputy Attorney General to fire Cox; he refused, and also resigned. Nixon then ordered a Justice Department official to fire Cox. He complied.

Nixon turned over transcripts of the tapes, but the Supreme Court eventually forced Nixon to turn over the tapes (United States vs. Nixon) The released tapes showed Nixon had engaged in the cover-up only days after the Watergate break-in. The House Judiciary committee voted three articles of impeachment: obstruction of justice; abuse of power; and contempt of Congress.

Resignation Faced with certain impeachment by the House, and a trial in the Senate, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974. His appointed Vice President, Gerald Ford, then took the oath of office as the first unelected President in US history.

Impact of Watergate Reduced public confidence in gov’t, people become disillusioned with politicians Showed our govt is based on laws & checks and balances works Proved that 2 party system works Reaffirmed the necessary role of the press/media