1. Nixon – Foreign & Domestic Policies Mr. Williamson Somerville HS

2. Nixon & The Cold War O Before Nixon: American leaders shared common Cold War Ideology O Basic conflict between democratic/capitalist vs. totalitarian/communist countries O “Us vs. Them” divisions, “enemy of my enemy is my friend” O After Nixon: with Henry Kissinger, leading national security adviser, altered this traditional approach O Embraced idea of “realpolitik”, German word meaning real politics O Stated that political goals should be defined by concrete national interests instead of ideologies O Argued if you put aside Communist bias, opportunities were present O Questioned the united/growing worldwide communist movement from previous administrations O Insisted on a flexible/practical foreign policy vs. theory/ideas

3. Nixon & The Cold War O Nixon – focuses on global politics/alliances & its impact on the US O Relations with China O Nixon realizes China could not be ignored (world’s most populous country), diplomatic relations could benefit US O Trade agreements would help California/Pacific Coast economies O US relations would drive a wedge between China/Soviet Union (now rivals due to territory/global influence) O Could pressure N. Vietnam to a negotiated peace O Nixon announces state visit to China (arrives Feb. 1972) – “Ping Pong Diplomacy” O Tours Great Wall, Imperial Palace, lengthy talks with Premier Zhou Enlai and Communist Chairman Mao Zedong O 1973 – Tourists can travel, US companies set up new businesses O 1979 – Full diplomatic relations with China are established

4. Nixon & The Cold War O Nixon’s trip prompted an immediate response from Soviets O Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev feared US/China relations could isolate Russia, invites Nixon to Moscow O Nixon/Brezhnev announce joint US-Soviet space mission O Strategic Arms Limitation Agreement (SALT I) O Froze the deployment/placed limits on ballistic missiles O Did not end arms race, but giant step toward the goal O Importance of SALT I O Evidence of an easing of tensions between US/Soviets O Policy of DÉTENTE (reducing tensions) replaces suspicion/distrust O Nixon relaxed foreign policy helps end Vietnam War O One step closer to the end of the Cold War

5. Nixon & The Cold War O With your assigned partner, read the following quote from President Nixon and complete the questions using the primary source: O “Recognizing the responsibility of the advanced industrial nations to set an example in combating mankind’s common enemies, the United States and Soviet Union have agreed to cooperate in efforts to reduce pollution and enhance environmental quality. We have agreed to work together in the field of medical science and public health, particularly in the conquest of cancer and heart disease.” O 1. The Soviet Union and United States are partnering in finding solutions to what problems? What is the reasoning behind selecting these issues? O 2. Why is this a smart approach by Nixon in easing Cold War Tensions? Be specific and discuss why.

6. Nixon & The Watergate Scandal O Using the cartoon history and short video on the Watergate Scandal, what was the future impact of this event? In other words, how are the American people directly affected by this incident? O Name a minimum of 3 effects and be ready to share with class.