The Ford and carter years US History

Gerald Ford Popular football star from University of Michigan; won national championships in 1932 & 33. Served in the navy during WWII Served in the House of Representatives, becoming Minority leader in 1965. Hard worker, appeared honest and self-reliant. Appointed Vice President after Spiro Agnew resigned. Gerald Ford became the first nonelected President. Ford experienced a relatively warm acceptance to the White House. Washington hoped Ford was the one who could redeem the Presidency.

Nixon Pardoned Ford goes about setting the country right “Our long national nightmare is over” In September of 1974, one month after Ford became President, he pardoned Nixon for “all offenses” he might have committed. The pardon angered many. Some suspected a bargain between the two had been made. Many Nixon staffers faced jail time, as he walked free. Ford’s Presidency, while conservative, was brief and mired by the stain of Watergate and the pardon. Ford Bio

Election of 1976 Ford faced a primary challenge from other Republicans California Governor, Ronald Reagan opposed Ford for the nomination Reagan was far more conservative than Ford Reagan and other Republicans were angry that Ford did not do more to help the South Vietnamese army in 1975. Ford is eventually nominated but is damaged by the process The Democrats nominate Georgia Governor, Jimmy Carter Carter, former Navy officer. Former peanut farmer Positioned as an outsider

Carter Wins Carter is a soft spoken southerner Carter is a liberal Democrat Installs solar panels on the White House America faces severe economic issues The economy slows down Inflation climbs Creating “stagflation” On top of that gas becomes scarce

Iranian Revolution/Energy Crisis In 1979, Islamists in Iran overthrow the Shah (King) of Iran Iran is a key controller of world oil The revolution pressures world supply Revolutionary Iran is not a friend of the US The US needs to figure out how to handle the shortage Lines at gasoline stations Rationing Even/Odd day fill ups Carter attempts leadership Famously encourages Americans to lower their home thermostats, wear cardigans

Carter’s Successes One signature achievement that Carter earned was a break through in foreign policy In 1977, Carter brokers a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. This is the first attempt by the US to establish peace in the Middle East. These discussions become known as “The Camp David Accords”

Iranian Hostage Crisis During the Revolution, Americans working at the Embassy were not able to evacuate 66 Americans in the Embassy were held hostage in Iran as a result of the revolution. The hostages were held for 444 days (November 1979 – January 1981) Americans are rapt by the story Carter attempts a rescue but it fails This incident damages Carter’s reputation severely

Carter After Presidency 1981, returned to his peanut farm in Georgia. Has led a very active life Teaching at University of Atlanta Expanding Habitat for Humanity Written books Established the Carter Center The non-profit, nongovernmental Center promotes democracy, mediates and prevents conflicts, and monitors the electoral process in support of free and fair elections. Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Cancer scare in 2015, but now in remission. At 92, he is the oldest president to attend a presidential inauguration Carter Bio

The Election of 1980 Carter is challenged for the Democratic nomination by Ted Kennedy, further damaging Carter. The Republicans nominate Ronald Reagan Reagan is a great communicator Nicknames “The Great Communicator” Reagan wins handily This is seen as the start of the “Reagan Revolution” Conservatism finally found it’s champion