NIXON Is it better to be remembered for something bad, or not remembered at all??

Recognizing an opportunity… 1968: Turmoil surrounding the civil rights and anti-war protests created more conservative feelings Nixon won Republican nomination for president with Spiro Agnew as VP. Nixon promised an end to the war - in reality, he had no plan

1968 Election Results: Nixon received 43.4% Humphrey received 42.7% Wallace received 13.5% Splitting the Democrats and giving Nixon the win

American society was split - Republican President, Democratic House and Senate Nixon voters were “Unblack, unpoor and unyoung”

Conservatism Republicans wanted to cut back the expansion of the federal government caused by the liberals Cut funding to the “War on Poverty” and vetoed a national child-care system Instead, aimed at welfare reform and created the EPA and OSHA

Vietnam Nixon wanted “peace with honor” Vietnamization

Kent State Nixon denounced student demonstrators When people discovered that Nixon was secretly bombing Cambodia, antiwar leaders organized a student strike At Kent State, the National Guard fired into an antiwar rally, killing 4, wounding 11. More than 450 colleges closed in protest

My Lai Massacre Lt. William Calley was court-martialed for atrocities committed in My Lai village Murdered 350 Vietnamese One member of the platoon refused to go along with the military cover-up Court sentenced Calley to life in prison, Nixon reduced his sentence He was paroled in 1974

1972 Election Nixon said “Peace is at hand!” Democratic party was split over Vietnam and civil rights Nixon won with 61% of the votes! Democrats still had control of Congress

Watergate