1. 2-2: AGE of Nixon

2. Objectives
NAT 3.0 Analyze how ideas about national identity changed in response to U.S. involvement in international conflicts and the growth of the United States.
WOR 2.0 Analyze the reasons for and results of U.S. diplomatic, economic, and military initiatives in North America and overseas.

3. Key Concepts
The United States responded to an uncertain and unstable postwar world by asserting and working to maintain a position of global leadership, with far-reaching international and domestic consequences.
Post-war economic and demographic changes had far-reaching consequences for American society, politics, and culture.

4. Overview Foreign Policy of the 1960s and 1970s Cold War
Confrontation and Détente
What is the appropriate power of the executive branch?

5. Election of Richard Nixon
Silent Majority
Moderate, mainstream Americans
Quietly supported Vietnam War
Southern Strategy

6. Nixon’s Foreign Policy
Vietnam
“Vietnamization”
“peace with honor”
Invasion of Cambodia
Opposition to Nixon’s War Policies
My Lai Massacre
Kent State Shooting
Armistice
Consequences of the War
Inflation (coupled with Great Society)
“Pentagon Papers”
War Powers Resolution

7. Nixon’s foreign policy
China and the Soviet Union
Détente
Need for more flexible policy
Relaxation of tensions
Visit to China
Arms Control with the USSR
Visit to Moscow
SALT I Treaty

8. Nixon’s Domestic policy
New Federalism
Wanted to reduce size of government after Johnson’s Great Society
Distributing federal power to state and local governments
Economic Policies
Revenue sharing
Congressional Enactments
Increased benefits to entitlements
OSHA
Clean Air and Water Acts (EPA)

9. Watergate Scandal White House Abuses Break-In Investigation
Resignation of VP Spiro Agnew
Nixon tax scandals
Break-In
Actions of CREEP at DNC HQ
Investigation
Role of Nixon—knowledge, cover-up?
White House Tapes
Subpoena and lawsuit
Resignation of Nixon