The Nixon Years
I. Election of 1968 Richard Nixon defeated Hubert H. Humphrey Democrats retained control of Congress Nixon promised to bring America together by being open to new ideas
II. Domestic Issues War Against Crime Had domestic success with war against crime Added conservative judges to the Supreme Court Economic Policies War on poverty and vietnam war produced large deficit and inflation Addressed inflation by slowing the money supply; unemployment increased Slowdown of business reduced federal revenue increasing inflation resulting in stagflation Froze wages, prices, and rents to address stagflation Stimulated economy with tax cuts New Federalism Intended to reduce role of federal government’s role in economy and turn over tasks to state and local governments
Energy Crisis Shortage of energy, namely oil Arabs (OPEC) placed an embargo on oil exports in 1973 in response to US support of Israel. This led to shortage of gas and heating oil The embargo made the US realize its dependence on foreign oil Built a pipeline across Alaska to make country self- sufficient by 1980 Congress passed laws lowering highway speeds to 55 mph
III. Foreign Policy Issues Nixon wanted to be remembered as a peacemaker Soviet Union Henry Kissinger appointed national security advisor and later secretary of state Détente – relaxed tensions between US and USSR SALT – limited production of nuclear weapons China Improved relations and became more open 1 st president to visit China Major obstacle was Taiwan Remove troops Exchange for vietnamese troops
Vietnam Pentagon Papers (1971) secret government documents about the misleading of the war Vietnamization – withdraw of US troops replacing them with South Vietnamese troops Allowed the US to withdraw with “honor” Middle East 1973, Yom Kippur War – Egypt and Syria attack Israel US supports Israel and Soviets aided the Arab nations. War would in a cease fire Shuttle diplomacy – flying back and forth between capitals seeking to find lasting peace