1. Topic: American Crisis at the Bicentennial
Do Now: Watch the two video clips and write a 2-3 sentence reaction to them.

2. Watergate: The Fall of Nixon
The Watergate Hotel break-in and CREEP
Nixon denies all, promises an investigation
The “Saturday Night Massacre” (1973)
73-74 Senate hearings (John Dean)
The “Nixon Tapes” and “Executive Privilege” (US v. Nixon)
Nixon resigns Aug 1974
Gerald Ford becomes President (“Unelected”)
Ford Pardons Nixon
WIN Campaign  fails

3. Bicentennial Election: 1976
1976 Election: Ford vs. Carter
“I’ll never lie to you”
Democrat majorities in Congress also
Immediately, Carter cuts taxes and creates the Dept of Energy
Camp David Accords
Enjoys success… at first…

4. The Presidency of Jimmy Carter
“Honeymoon” over…
“Stagflation” runs rampant
OPEC and the Oil Crisis
Failure of SALT II talks
USSR invades Afghanistan
Budget deficits
The Iranian Revolution and the Iran Hostage Crisis ( )

5. Conclusion
In your opinion, which did more damage to the American Presidency by 1980 – Watergate or Carter’s failures? Explain your rationale.