The Ford & Carter Years 1974-1980 Chapter 24: Section 3 The Ford & Carter Years 1974-1980

Gerald Ford “A Ford not a Lincoln” Became VP after resignation of VP Spiro Agnew Became pres after resignation of Nixon Pardoned Nixon which cost him a lot of public support and is probably one reason he did not win the 1976 race for president

Ford tries to whip inflation US econ was worse when Ford took office & worse when he left. Stagflation continued OPEC price increases intensified recession Inflation went from 6 to 10% Ford responded with his WIN program of massive citizen action Whip Inflation Now (WIN) Called for Americans to cut back on use of oil & gas

Impact of his economic policy Ford tried to curb inflation HOW? Tight monetary policy which relied on reduced gov spending & by encouraging the Fed’l Reserve to restrict credit through higher interest rates Triggered the worse recession in 40 years Battled a Democratic Congress Vetoed more than 50 pieces of legislation

Ford’s foreign policy Greatest foreign policy success were the Helsinki Accords Vietnam falls Ford requests & was denied funds for VN Cambodia seizes the US merchant ship Mayaguez in Sea of Siam Ford responded with massive show of force Crew of 39 was rescued at the cost of 41 lives

Carter National Energy Act Economic Crisis Worsens Changing Economy Carter & Civil Rights Human Rights Panama Canal Collapse of Détente Camp David Accords Iranian Hostage Crisis