1. Domestic changes and International Affairs
Nixon’s Presidency
Domestic changes and International Affairs

2. Nixon’s new conservatism
New Federalism
Descrease size and influence of federal government
New Federalism: give part of federal power to local and state gov’ts
Nixon proposes revenue sharing, which becomes law in 1972:
State and local gov’ts now decide on how to spend federal gov’t money

3. New Federalism wears two faces
Nixon back some social policy spending increases to win Democratic support
(Welfare reform BACKFIRE)
Tries to dismantle some programs and impound funds
100 fed programs $15 billion dollars
Court orders unconstitutional – orders him to release money

4. Battling the anti-war movement
Aggressively moves to end war, mend divided country
Tried to bring “law and order” back to society
Some illegal
Wiretapping
CIA compiled documents on people who disagreed with gov’t
IRS audits of anti war and civil rights activists

5. Nixon’s southern strategy
A New South
Southern Democrats help segregationist George Wallace win 5 states
Nixon: win over Southern Democrats for votes (majority in Congress)
Southern strategy – appeal to dislike of desegregation & the Supreme Court
Slows integration
Supreme Court forces change
Fought school busing to create integration

6. Supreme Court Nixon felt the Warren Court was too liberal
4 justices retired
Nixon appointed more conservative judges

7. Stagflation **The combination of high inflation, high unemployment
Inflation result of LBJ’s deficit spending on war and social programs
Unemployment caused by international trade, new workers
Rising oil prices (US dependence on foreign oil)
Organization of Petrolium Exporting Countries (OPEC) controls prices

8. Nixon tries Raising wages Price controls Interest rate adjustment
Stagflation continues

9. Kissinger and Realpolitik
Henry Kissinger – NSA (later Secretary of State)
Realpolitik – foreign policy based on power, not ideals or morals
Confront powerful nations
Ignore weak nations
Détente - flexible Cold War foreign policy – willingness to negotiate and easing of tensions.

10. Nixon visits CHINA? 1971 Success
China agrees to
Cooperate over disputes
Have scientific and cultural exchange
Took advantage of rift btwn China and Soviets

11. Nixon travels to MOSCOW!!!
1972: Nixon visits Moscow
He and Brezhnev (Khrushchev had been ousted about 8 years earlier) sign “SALT I” Treaty
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks
Limits missiles to 1972 levels