1. TheAdministration

2. Gerald Ford – the Man Star football player at U of M, fought with the Navy in WWII. Won House seat and served 25 years. Was Minority Leader Seen as hard working, full of integrity and was dependable.

3. Presidential Pardon Vice President Gerald Ford assumes office Pardons Nixon of wrong-doing “to end long, national nightmare.”

4. Ford at the Steering Wheel Nominated to serve in twice scandalized situations (VP & Pres) Politically – nation was angry & distrustful Economically – nation in the throes of stagflation

5. Economy tanking as inflation soaring and unemployment rising… –Ford plan not working as businesses keep failing (WIN –Whip Inflation Now)

6. Détente, Part II The Helsinki Accords –Ford & Brezhnev sign document agreeing to basic human rights –Criticized for not pushing political rights SALT II – limits production of new arms

7. ‘75- South East Asia:Pride after the Fall Vietnam falls –US, war weary, declines to help –Boat People: 1.5 MM Mayaguez Incident – US marines free Cambodian held merchant ship crew –US gets glimmer of hope & optimism

8. BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

9. The Me Decade: The 1970s Sunbelt Movement Sunbelt Movement Immigration changes voting demographics Immigration changes voting demographics Divorce rate up/children out of wedlock Divorce rate up/children out of wedlock Eastern Religions Eastern Religions Health craze Health craze Fundamental Christianity Fundamental Christianity

10. Help Myself

11. Conservative Activists Fundamental Christianity Opposed to social changes of 1960’s- 70’s The Moral Majority – angry at Federal stands on social issues. (Pro- life, pro-religion in school, anti-ERA, anti- gay) Jerry Falwell – founder of the Moral Majority

12. All in the Family

13. Space Viking I & II Probes land on Mars Space excitement rekindled

14. Pledges to make government more transparent. Ratings PLUMMET as he pardons Nixon (so country can begin to heal)

16. 1976 Election – Ford: One & Done Not seen as in control –Challenged from inside his party (Ronald Regan) US People disillusioned. Don’t trust or believe in government… –Enter Jimmy Carter iCue Biography of Gerald Ford