Vietnam & the 1970s American History II - Unit 7 Ms. Brown

Review How did Nixon approach social welfare and LBJ’s Great Society programs? Believed it was not the federal gov’ts responsibility to provide social welfare to extent that the LBJ did Tried to dismantle Great Society programs, but was limited by the Democratic- controlled Congress What the Southern Strategy? Was it successful? Nixon’s plan to gain the support of Southern Democrats Yes – all southern states voted for Nixon in 1972 What was Nixon’s foreign policy and what was its result? Realpolitk – foreign policy based on practicality not ideology Eased Cold War tensions and resumed diplomatic relations with China and USSR What was the Watergate Scandal? The Nixon Administration’s attempted cover up of a burglary of the DNC ( ) What effect did the Watergate Scandal have on the American public? Increased distrust and cynicism towards the presidency and the federal gov’t

7.7 – FORD TAKES OFFICE

Gerald R. Ford 38 th POTUS ( ), Republican Nebraskan born, Michigan US Representative Eagle Scout, Star college football player at Univ. of Michigan (most athletic POTUS) Served in the Navy during WWII House Minority Leader, VP after Agnew resigned POTUS after Nixon resigned Only POTUS to not have been elected to the Executive Branch Admitted his limitations – “I’m a Ford, not a Lincoln.”

Pardoning of Nixon Ford was likable, honest, and generally respected… until he granted Nixon a full pardon for his actions (Sept 1974). Ford recognized the need for America to move past the Watergate Scandal, and pardoning Nixon (to get him out of the spotlight) seemed to be the solution. The American public was outraged and saw Ford as a puppet of Nixon and the Republican party. Nixon’s successor (regardless who it was) would be criticized by Americans disillusioned with the gov’t

Tackling the Economy By mid 1974, the US economy was suffering greatly as stagflation continued High unemployment High inflation – made worse by the 1973 OPEC Oil Crisis “Whip Inflation Now” or WIN – Ford’s urged Americans to cut back on their use of oil/gas and take other energy-saving measures “Whip Inflation Now” No incentives for such actions  plan fell through

Tackling the Economy “Tight Money” policy – Ford’s attempt to curb inflation through decreased gov’t spending, less credit, and higher interest rates (less money – lower prices)  triggered the worst economic recession since the Great Depression Ford clashed with the Democratic-controlled Congress over economic and domestic policies  vetoed more than 50 pieces of legislation in 2 years

Ford’s Foreign Policy Ford continued Nixon’s realpolitik policy Under the advisement of Kissinger Nov 1974 – met with USSR leader to continue amicable relations 1975 – signed the Helenski Accords – series of agreements that promised continued cooperation among 35 Eastern and Western European nations  Ford’s greatest presidential accomplishment

Trouble in Southeast Asia Trouble in Vietnam The 1973 cease-fire in Vietnam broke down  Ford asked Congress to provide $722M in aid to South Vietnam Congress refused to send massive financial aid  South Vietnam defeated in 1975 Mayagüez Incident Mayagüez Incident May Communist gov’t in Cambodia seized the US merchant ship Mayagüez in the Gulf of Siam Ford responded with a massive show of military force to rescue the 29 crew members, but cost 41 US troop deaths  some cheered, some argued the mission cost more than it was worth

Assassination Attempts Ford faced 2 assassination attempts in Sept Sept 5 Lynette Fromme (follower of Charles Manson) drew a pistol on Ford while shaking his hand in CA, restrained by Secret Service 4 bullets in the magazine, but none in the firing chamber Sentenced to life in prison, but released in 2009 Sept 22 Sara Jane Moore fired a revolver at Ford from 40 ft Bullet missed Ford because a bystander grabbed Moore’s arm while she shot Sentenced to life in prison, but released in 2007

Election of 1976 Republican – Gerald Ford Narrowly defeated Ronald Reagan for the Republican bid Democrat – Jimmy Carter Felt confident in the election, knew the Republican party was split over Ford’s leadership “We could run an aardvark this year and win.” – A Democratic leader Carter – former peanut farmer and GA governor, relatively unknown 39 th POTUS - Carter