27-1 & 2 The Nixon Years

Election of 1968 Dem. Hubert Humphrey (LBJ’s VP), Rep. Richard Nixon, and Ind. George Wallace (segregationist) Nixon appealed to “Middle America” (aka “the Silent Majority”) Promised “peace with honor” in Vietnam, law and order, and more traditional values Nixon wins

Nixon’s Goals Southern Strategy - wanted to attract Southerners to the Republican Party Law and Order – wanted to prosecute militant protestors, draft dodgers, organized crime, etc. Replaced retired Chief Justice Earl Warren with conservative Warren Burger (wanted fewer rights for criminals) New Federalism – wanted to give control over government agencies to state and local governments Used Revenue Sharing – federal funds to state and local governments Wanted to reform AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children)

Foreign Policy Chose Henry Kissinger to be national security advisor Wanted to contain communism, but improve relations with the USSR and China Détente = relaxation of tensions

Nixon and China Acknowledged mainland Chinese government instead of Taiwan Visited China in February 1972 Chinese government gives Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling (pandas) to the US

Nixon and the USSR Goes to the USSR next in May 1972 1st president since WWII Nixon and Brezhnev signed SALT I (Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty) to limit nuclear weapons

Watergate June 17, 1972 Break-in at Democratic National headquarters 5 burglars intend to obtain info and wiretap phones Piece of tape gives them away

The Cover-Up One of the burglars was former CIA and a member of the Committee to Reelect the President Washington Post journalists Woodward and Bernstein investigate connections to White House Nixon denies involvement, public believes him, reelected by a landslide in 1972 Presidential aides testify before the Senate, John Dean says Nixon was involved in cover-up

The Tapes Who is telling the truth? Hidden tape recorders in White House will tell Nixon refuses to hand over tapes – claims Executive Privilege Supreme Court orders Nixon to give up tapes 18 ½ minute gap raises questions, enough other info to show Nixon did know about cover-up

Nixon Resigns House Judiciary committee votes to impeach Nixon Obstruction of justice Misuse of federal agencies Defiance of Congress August 9, 1974 - Nixon resigns before full House votes Gerald Ford becomes president Only president no one ever voted for! Watergate left many Americans with a deep distrust of the government