Presidents of Late 20 th Century

Richard Nixon ( ) The Nixon Administration – Tried to reduce power of federal government through New Federalism – Used “Southern Strategy” to attract support from white Southern voters – Faced stagflation, where unemployment and inflation increased – OPEC embargo led to gas shortages – Opened relationship with China

Richard Nixon ( ) Watergate Scandal – Attempt to cover up a burglary of Democratic Party headquarters – Tape-recorded meeting proved Nixon knew about cover-up – Nixon tried to refuse handing over tapes, citing executive privilege, but Court disagreed

Richard Nixon ( ) July 1974: House of Representatives committee voted to impeach Nixon August 8, 1974: Nixon resigned Watergate and Vietnam led many Americans to distrust the government

Gerald Ford ( ) “Accidental President” Pardoned Nixon Negotiated Helsinki Accords Economic Problems – Runaway inflation – Oil shortages – Recession

Jimmy Carter ( ) Energy conservation High Inflation Camp David Accords – Negotiated peace between Israel and Egypt Known for Support of Human Rights Overshadowed by economy and Iran Hostage Crisis

Ronald Reagan ( ) Symbol of a New Conservative Movement “Reaganomics” – Reduce size and power of government – Cut government spending and lower taxes – Increased military spending – Triggered huge government deficits End of Cold War

George H.W. Bush ( ) Desert Storm “…No New Taxes”

Bill Clinton ( ) Serious Conflicts With Congress Government Shutdown Ethnic Cleansing in Bosnia and Kosovo Impeachment Trial Budget Surplus

George W. Bush ( ) Controversial Election of 2000 Attacks of September 11, 2011 War on Terror – “Weapons of Mass Destruction” – Death of Saddam Hussein Economic Recession