Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, G. W. Bush 1970s to the Present Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, G. W. Bush

Richard Nixon 1st president to visit China and Soviet Union during Cold War Opened up political and trade relations China and the Soviet Union stopped sending weapons and supplies to North Vietnam, which helped end the Vietnam War

Richard Nixon The Moon Landing July, 1969 Neil Armstrong & Buzz Aldrin With the popularity of television, Americans watched as the astronauts planted an American flag on the moon The space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was over

Richard Nixon The Watergate Scandal Nixon’s campaign was accused of taking illegal campaign contributions from corporations who in exchange wanted special favors Nixon (a Republican) authorized the burglary of the offices of the Democratic National Headquarters in the Watergate apartment complex. The burglars were trying to find out Democratic campaign strategies and to leave listening devices in the office.

Richard Nixon The Watergate Scandal The Nixon Whitehouse tried to cover-up its involvement and obstructed the investigation. When Nixon’s involvement became apparent through investigative newspaper reporting, Congress began the process of impeaching the President. Nixon was informed that he would be found guilty during an impeachment trial so he resigned from office on August 9, 1974 instead of being the first President removed from office.

Richard Nixon Impact of the Watergate Scandal Increased distrust of the government led to fewer people voting and seeking office. The reputation of the Republican party was damaged. The media was praised for their investigative work The effectiveness of the U.S. democratic system, especially checks and balances, was proven successful.

Gerald Ford Nixon’s Vice President Became president when Nixon resigned Pardoned Nixon for crimes Vietnam war ended during his presidency Economy in worst recession since Great Depression

Jimmy Carter Tried to bring peace to the Middle East Camp David Accords Negotiated peace treaty between Egypt and Israel at presidential retreat in Maryland 1st peace agreement between Middle Eastern nations

Jimmy Carter 1979- Iranian Revolution replaced the Shah (friendly to the U.S.) with a Muslim leader (not friendly to U.S.) Carter let the former Shah of Iran enter U.S. to receive cancer treatment Iranian revolutionaries were furious Iranian Hostage Crisis Angry Iranians invaded the U.S. embassy Took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days Led to anti-Americanism amongst Muslims around the world Also led to Carter losing reelection in 1980

Ronald Reagan Wanted to decrease the size and role of the federal government Reaganomics Nickname for his economic policy Four key components: Reduce government spending Reduce income tax Reduce government regulation Control the money supply to reduce inflation

Ronald Reagan Iran-Contra Scandal U.S. sold weapons to Iran (enemy of U.S.) Some of the profits were used to fund a rebellion in Nicaragua (led by the “Contras”) Reagan denied involvement but two of his Whitehouse aides were convicted for violating Federal laws

Ronald Reagan Collapse of the Soviet Union Last leader, Mikhail Gorbechev, set up democratic policies Freedom of speech, press, and other reforms Set up nuclear arms agreement with U.S. that officially ended the Cold War Reforms got out of Gorbechev’s control and Soviet Union broke up into separate countries

Bill Clinton North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Added Mexico to the free-trade agreement between the U.S. and Canada This means these countries could trade freely with no tariffs Second President to be impeached Charged with perjury and obstruction of justice Accused of improper use of funds Lied about inappropriate relationship with White House intern Senate acquitted him

2000 Presidential Election Al Gore (D) v. George W. Bush (R) Closest election in U.S. history Gore won popular vote, but Bush won the electoral college Only 537 votes separated the candidates in Florida Triggered a mandatory machine recount the next day Supreme Court (Bush v. Gore) ordered end to recount Bush won election

George W. Bush September 11th Attacks (9/11) Al-Qaeda attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon Passed the Patriot Act that allowed gov’t to hold foreign citizens suspected of being terrorists Also allowed gov’t to search private communications Created Department of Homeland Security Protect U.S. from terrorist attacks and respond to natural disasters

George W. Bush War on Terrorism “Operation Enduring Freedom” Invasion of Afghanistan Afghanistan’s Taliban gov’t was harboring al-Qaeda leadership Quickly defeated the Taliban gov’t and destroyed al-Qaeda Osama bin Laden escaped, but was killed in 2011 by Navy SEALs

George W. Bush War on Terrorism “Operation Iraqi Freedom” Invasion of Iraq U.S. forces searched for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) None were ever found Iraq’s president, Saddam Hussein, went into hiding Captured and executed in 2006 for crimes against humanity