1. The Nixon Administration

2. The Return of Nixon
Unsuccessfully ran for governor of CA in 1962; political career thought to be done
Three way race in 1968
George Wallace- Conservative independent
Hubert Humphrey- liberal VP
Richard Nixon- Republican nominee
Despite possibility of split vote, Nixon comfortably wins

3. Nixon’s Foreign Policy
On Vietnam
Main goal: to reduce US involvement without the US looking like it lost the war
Vietnamization
Gradually withdraw troops and give money, supplies and training to South Vietnam to fight the war
540,000 troops in 1969 to 30,000 in 1972
Nixon Doctrine
Asian allies will receive monetary support in the future but no troop support

4. Nixon’s Foreign Policy
On Vietnam
1970- orders invasion of Cambodia to combat Vietcong
Draws protest including Kent State where four students are killed
After weeks of heavy bombing in 1972, North Vietnam agrees to a cease-fire

5. Paris Accords (1973) US will withdraw all troops from Vietnam
Cease-fire and free elections
Not effective and the war still continued between the North and South
North Vietnam will take over the country once the US leaves

6. Nixon’s Foreign Policy
Détente- the reduction of Cold War tensions
On China
Nixon visits China (1972)
Led to friendlier relations with China
US recognizes communist China in 1979

7. Nixon’s Foreign Policy
On the Soviets
Used friendly relations with China to pressure Soviets into Strategic Arms Limitations Talks
Didn’t stop the arms race
However, it did begin to decrease tension

8. Nixon’s Domestic Policies
New Federalism
A shift of moving federal social programs to the state and local governments through block grants
Lessen the burden on the federal by spreading the burden
Attempt to impound funds
Nixon tried to take funds appropriated to various programs to avoid spending the money
Courts ruled this unconstitutional, the President must execute laws passed by Congress whether or not he agreed with it

9. Nixon’s Economic Policies
US entered a recession in 1970
Economic growth slowed and inflation increased
Stagflation = inflation + stagnant economy
Nixon first tried to cut spending
Further hurt the economy than helped
Began deficit spending (like New Deal)
90 day wage and price freeze
Took the dollar off the gold standard

10. Watergate
June men caught breaking into the Democratic National Committee’s HQ at the Watergate Hotel
Nixon’s involvement in the break-in is unknown, it is known that his administration tried to cover up the crime

11. Tapes and Lies Nixon’s tape-recording system recorded the cover-up
Over time, the media and courts forced Nixon to release the tapes (although he attempted to release edited tapes first)
Nixon claimed executive privilege and that he didn’t have to give them up
Courts ruled that he had to give them up
Facing impeachment, Nixon resigns

12. Other Issues in Nixon’s 2nd Term
War Powers Act (1973)
President must get approval from Congress for any military actions over 60 days
Seven Days War (Arabs vs Israel)
US gives support to Israel
To punish the US for supporting Israel; OPEC put an embargo on oil to the US

13. OPEC Oil Embargo 1967 Impacts Worldwide oil shortage
Impact on US manufacturing jobs
Lower standard of living for lower class workers
Americans start buying smaller Japanese cars hurting American auto industry
Overall, economic hardship