The Rise and Fall of Richard Nixon Unit 5 Lesson 7

Big Idea Nixon worked to lead the country in a new, more conservative, direction; however any accomplishment is negated by the Watergate Scandal.

Warm Up: What event was taking place when Nixon became president?

1968 Election (D) Humphrey (R) Nixon (I) Wallace Intense political process Nixon wins close vote Law & home Peace w/honor abroad “Imperial presidency”

Domestic Agenda – New Conservatism Economic Problems Inflation and unemployment on rise Dependence on foreign oil (prices ↑) Solutions Raise taxes and cut budget Raise interest rates Price, wage, rent controls OPEC Embargo = Recession

Domestic Agenda – New Conservatism Size of Federal Government Great Society- Too much fed responsibility Did increase Soc Sec, Medicare, and Medicaid! Welfare inefficient Solutions New Federalism- share certain responsibilities w/states Impoundment- Withheld fed $ for programs he didn’t like (unconstitutional) Family Assistance Plan- basic income, job training

Domestic Agenda – New Conservatism Domestic Upheaval Press Leaks Antiwar Protestors, Student Radicals, Counterculture Rising crime, growing drug use, racial violence/riots Liberal Ct and Brown II – speedy desegregation Solutions Justice Dept Wiretaps, FBI investigations, IRS audits, Enemies ListEnemies List VP Spiro Agnew- Vocal lashings of media and liberals Southern Strategy – opposed extending VRA, interfered w/desegregation Appt 4 conservative SC justices (Warren Burger)

T-P-S Summarize Nixon’s “New Conservatism”

A New Foreign Policy Henry Kissinger ▫ Realpolitik – evaluate nation’s power, not political ideals Détente ▫ Relaxing tension w/Communist nations

Ping Pong Diplomacy & China ’70 shouldn’t isolate China UN recognition ‘71 ‘71 end travel ban & trade embargo ’72 Visit (1 st Pres ever) Qw

DétenteDétente with the Soviet Union ’72 Visit to Moscow Brezhnev Explore space Ease trade limits Weapons pact SALT I

Peace With Honor in Vietnam Vietnamization Gradual withdraw US troops Increased scope Paris Peace Accords Jan 1973

Nixon’s Downfall Suspicion and Deceit “Enemies List” “Plumbers” stop leaks w/wiretaps of staff and reporters, mail Dan Ellsberg leaked study of Vietnam referred to “Pentagon Papers”

CREEP Committee to Reelect the President John Mitchell Fund-raising G. Gordon Liddy Dirty Tricks Fake letters, gossip Spies

Watergate DNC headquarters June 17, 1972 “Burglary” Tap phones Photograph strategies CAUGHT…with CREEP $!!!!!! search?Ntt=watergate

Activity: The Cover UpThe Cover Up Use the reading handout to complete the timeline of major Watergate events. Video:

Effects of Watergate Nixon resigns in light of impeachment 69 charged, 48 guilty 25 ppl in admin serve prison terms Lack public trust Angry Congress = Balance of powers Cynical media

Closure What were Nixon’s major domestic goals? Reduce inflation New Federalism – decrease size & role fed govt Strengthen law & order Southern Strategy – slow civil rights, appt conservative justices