1. Gerald R. Ford Republican Ford’s background… U of Michigan Football star WW II - U Navy 12 terms in the House of Representatives Served on the Warren Commission Nixon appoints Ford VP The 1st person appointed V.P. & President under the 25th Amendment. The only President to serve without being elected President or V.P.

2. Objectives… Summarize Ford’s response to the economic problems of the era. Identify the major reasons for Americans losing faith in the federal government. “The trouble with Gerry Ford is that he used to play football without a helmet” - LBJ

3. The 1970s Recession The cause… - In protest of the Arab-Israeli conflict OPEC embargoed oil exports to the west. - High oil prices trigger inflation and a deep recession Inflation rose form 6% in 1973 10% in 1974 14% in 1980

4. A term used to describe a sluggish economy… -Price inflation -Slow economic growth -Rising unemployment -Recession Stagflation Stagnation & Inflation The economy was bad and Ford lacked a clear vision for putting the economy back on track.

5. Ford’s plan to rejuvenate the economy… Stimulate economic growth Stabilize interest rates Raise taxes Limit government spending W.I.N. Whip Inflation Now Fight inflation by saving & spending less Backfired: Americans stopped spending & the economy slows even more

6. The Nixon Pardon Sept, 1974 GRF gives RMN a full pardon A corrupt bargain?... Justification: Spare the country a painful trial Nixon’s employees were not given pardons.. Most went to prison “My fellow Americans, our long time nightmare is over. Our constitution works. Our great republic is a government of laws, not of men” –Gerald R. Ford

7. The War Powers Act (1973) Designed to control the president's power to commit the US to a war without the permission of Congress. The president has 48hrs to inform Congress of a troop movements. Troops can remain for 60 days without Congress declaring war.

8. The Fall of Saigon April, 1975 The American embassy in Saigon is evacuated This marks the end of the Vietnam War Vietnam falls to communism

9. What is the overall intention of the War Powers Act... To limit the power of the U.S. President in engaging in a conflict by requiring that he report troop movements and seek Congressional permission after 60 days.

10. In the 1970s, the combination of rising prices, high unemployment & slow economic growth was termed….. STAGFLATION High inflation, slow economic growth & high unemployment.

11. President Ford’s most controversial act as President was to… Pardon Nixon for Watergate