Topic: American Crisis at the Bicentennial Do Now: Watch the two video clips and write a 2-3 sentence reaction to them.

Watergate: The Fall of Nixon The Watergate Hotel break-in and CREEP Nixon denies all, promises an investigation The “Saturday Night Massacre” (1973) 73-74 Senate hearings (John Dean) The “Nixon Tapes” and “Executive Privilege” (US v. Nixon) Nixon resigns Aug 1974 Gerald Ford becomes President (“Unelected”) Ford Pardons Nixon WIN Campaign  fails

Bicentennial Election: 1976 1976 Election: Ford vs. Carter “I’ll never lie to you” Democrat majorities in Congress also Immediately, Carter cuts taxes and creates the Dept of Energy Camp David Accords Enjoys success… at first…

The Presidency of Jimmy Carter “Honeymoon” over… “Stagflation” runs rampant OPEC and the Oil Crisis Failure of SALT II talks USSR invades Afghanistan Budget deficits The Iranian Revolution and the Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981)

Conclusion In your opinion, which did more damage to the American Presidency by 1980 – Watergate or Carter’s failures? Explain your rationale.