gerald ford

Born Leslie Lynch King, Jr. on July

15, 1913 in Omaha, Nebraska

Mother and he moved to Grand

Rapids, Michigan shortly after birth

Attended the University of

Michigan, playing on the football

team

Yale Law School…and

assistant football and boxing coach

Assassination Attempts

Domestic Matters

Now, therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the

Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part

in during the period from July (January) 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974.

Partial amnesty to Vietnam draft evaders: two years of community service

Pardon of Richard Nixon

Results?Approval rating: 72% to 49%

“Jail Ford”Perhaps cost him the 1976 election

Why?Healing could begin

25% A deal?

Sympathy

Assassination Attempts

Lynnette “Squeaky” Fromme; September 5, 1977

Sara Jane Moore; September 22, 1977

INFLATION

Non-Stop Inflation Merry-Go-Round

No Immediate MiraclesWhip Inflation Now

Grassroots program designed to combat inflation by encouraging personal saving and disciplined spending

Yes: 300

No: 135

No = VETO

Yes: 55

No: 45

House of Representatives Senate

The President

FORD: FREQUENT USE OF THE VETO—66 TIMES IN 29 MONTH PRESIDENCY

Soviet Union

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

US-Soviet relations under Ford

• SALT II (DELAYED)• Helsinki Accords

– Finalizes World War II borders

– Soviets would agree to improve human rights (did not)

Vietnam

• The Ho Chi Minh Offensive occurs during Ford’s presidency

– North Vietnam attacks South Vietnam to make it communist

– Ford asks for $722 million in aid; Congress refuses

• Operation Frequent Wind occurs as a result of the offensive

OPERATION FREQUENT WIND IN ACTION

Cambodia

• What? Capture of the USS Mayaguez (39 Americans are held)

• When? May 13, 1975

• Where? Off the coast of Cambodia

• By Whom? Khmer Rouge

• Ford’s response? Military rescue; 41 killed as 39 were being released

1976 Election

CARTER WINS 1976 ELECTION

Why did Ford lose?

• Reagan challenges Ford in the primary

• Unpopular decision to pardon Nixon