Politics in the Early 1970’s The Nixon Years-The Imperial Presidency “If we take the route of the permanent handout, the American character will itself be impoverished.” Richard Nixon—on welfare reform—Aug 8, 1969

I. Election of 1968 A. Middle Class Dissention B. George McGovern C. Vietnamization D. Economic Upturn E. Foreign Affairs 1. China and Russia

II. Republican Domestic Agenda “New Federalism” A. Repeal the liberal policies of the New Deal B. Roe v. Wade (1973) C. End of American involvement in Vietnam

III. Watergate A. Nixon’s persona and political tactics B. Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers C. The “Plumbers” D. Taping in the White House E. Resignation Bernstein and Woodward

Another wave of cynicism grips America