The Seventies

Nixon Seventies began under the direction of President Richard Nixon. Nixon had promised to end the war and began his program to Vietnamize the war. Even as we were re-deploying, we expanded the war in Cambodia. We were trying to cripple the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Nixon As Nixon struggled in Vietnam, he proved to be progressive domestically. He pushed for and got legislation for affirmative action. He also set new standards in terms of Civil Rights and Women’s Rights in America. Nixon also visited China and the USSR in an attempt to ease Cold War tensions.

Nixon’s Undoing Daniel Ellsburg Controversy found Nixon after the election of 1972 (an easy victory). The Pentagon Papers revealed that Johnson had ordered bombings in Laos and Cambodia. Nixon had denied it. Congress passed the War Powers Act in reaction to the Pentagon Papers.

Watergate Although the Pentagon Papers didn’t implicate Nixon, he was angered. He later found out that some of his inner circle had planned a break-in of Dem HQ Nixon, rather than turn his people in, tried to cover-up what had happened. Congress threatened to impeach Nixon so he resigned on August 8, 1974.

Gerald Ford Gerald Ford became our first and only non-elected President. He had replaced Agnew when he resigned in 1973. Ford sealed his own political fate when he pardoned Nixon. The Helsinki Accords eased tensions with the USSR, but he was criticized for our position.

Jimmy Carter Carter was easily elected in 1976 – bicentennial. However, he inherited an energy crisis. OPEC had cut production. Carter also hurt himself politically when he pardoned draft dodgers.

Carter Jimmy Carter was known as a good man who meant well. He had been a Sunday School teacher and truly cared about people He has been accused of “not seeing the forest for the trees.” His highlight as Pres. was the Camp David Accords – peace between Israel and Egypt.

Carter Carter was seen as weak on foreign affairs. He was considered weak in both Afghanistan and Iran. In Iran, Americans at the embassy in Tehran were taken hostage in 1979. Many were held for 444 days There was a failed rescue attempt

The Eighties

Reagan Revolution Reagan won in a landslide. Many Republicans also won on his coattails. Reagan spoke about pride in our nation and inspired people to believe in America. It didn’t hurt that the hostages were released the day he took office.

Election of 1980

Reagan Reagan framed the Cold War debate on Good v. Evil. We are good and the USSR is the Evil Empire. Defense spending skyrocketed as $ was spent on “Star Wars” Most believe this deficit spending ruined the USSR, while others believe it hurt the U.S.

Reagan Reagan was a fiscal and social conservative. However, he spent $ in a way that was not like his party. He became very popular when he was shot in 1981. John Hinkley was the shooter b/c he wanted Jodie Foster recognize him.

Reagan Legacy Ushered in a conservative movement in America. Never had a majority of Congress. Worked well with both sides. Restored hope in America. Left a huge debt. Iran-Contra was a stain on presidency.