1. The Ford and Carter Years
How does the country heal & suffer during the late 70s?

2. Ford Pardons Nixon
After stating “nightmare is over”, Ford pardons Nixon to move the country past Watergate
Ford loses public support – but some say it allowed the country to heal quicker from wounds of Vietnam & Watergate
Congress looking to gain back power after Vietnam & Watergate will constantly battle with Ford

3. Ford and the Economy
Economy struggling due to high energy costs, inflation & unemp.
Ford urged energy conservation and announces “WIN” – Whip Inflation Now (cut spending & raise interest rates)
RESULT: made recession even worse

4. Ford’s Foreign Policy
Ford & Kissinger continue Nixon’s détente, including negotiation w/ Brezhnev over SALT II
Ford participates in the Helsinki Accords
35 nations signed the Accords, which mend relationships between Eastern and Western Europe

5. Ford challenged in his own party by CA Gov Ronald Reagan
1976 Election
Ford challenged in his own party by CA Gov Ronald Reagan
Ford beats Reagan for Republican nomination, faces Georgia Gov Jimmy Carter in November, Carter seen as an “outsider”
Carter beats Ford in very close election

6. Energy Crisis & Economy Worsens
Carter & Congress agree pass National Energy Act: tax “gas guzzlers” & give tax credits for alternative energy
Result: Americans begin to use less foreign oil
In response, OPEC slows production causing oil prices to rise & gas shortages
Economy worsening, inflation climbs to 14%, unemployment rate was still high - Carter gives infamous “malaise speech”

7. Environmental Issues of 1970s
1. Hooker Chemical sells “Love Canal” site to developers and school district in NY
1978: Press revealed Hooker Chemical used the site to dump toxic waste, which contaminated the entire area
2. Due to energy crisis, many feel nuclear power is the answer but citizens question if it is safe
1979: series of mechanical & human errors leads to a partial meltdown of a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island in PA

8. Clip: 1) What did the PA Governor do. 2) Was there a real danger
Clip: 1) What did the PA Governor do? 2) Was there a real danger? 3) What do all plants now have as a result?

9. Carter’s Foreign Policy
Carter rejects Kissinger’s realpolitik, focus on human rights
Cut off relations with Latin American dictatorships and agreed to return the Panama Canal
Carter continued détente & signed SALT II but Congress refused to ratify SALT II after the Soviets invade Afghanistan
Carter boycotts 1980 Olympics in Moscow over Afghanistan

10. Camp David Accords
Carter gets leaders of Egypt & Israel to meet at Camp David to mediate a peace agreement
Israel returns the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt, Egypt recognizes Israel’s right to exist

11. Iran Hostage Crisis
1979: Ayatollah Khomeini leads a revolution against US-backed Shah Mohammad Pahlavi, Shah flees Iran
Carter allows Shah into US for medical treatment
Iranian students storm US embassy taking American workers hostage, students demand return of the Shah for hostages
Carter refuses, attempts rescue that fails
Hostages held 444 days

12. Clip : 1) Describe the Shah’s lifestyle 2) What are some actions Carter takes? 3) Why do you think the crisis hurt Carter in 1980?