Ch. 25: Nixon, Ford, CarterCh. 25: Nixon, Ford, Carter(1969-1981)(1969-1981)

Section 1: Nixon’s Domestic Section 1: Nixon’s Domestic PolicyPolicy

Nixon’s StoryNixon’s Story Grew up in a low-Grew up in a low-

income family in income family in California.California.

Gained prominence Gained prominence amidst McCarthyism amidst McCarthyism during the 1950s.during the 1950s.

Lost presidential Lost presidential election to JFK in 1960 election to JFK in 1960 and California and California Governor race in 1962, Governor race in 1962, vowed to leave politics. vowed to leave politics.

NixonNixon

Due to his poor status growing up and early political defeats, Nixon Due to his poor status growing up and early political defeats, Nixon constantly felt like an outsider, that he needed to prove himself.constantly felt like an outsider, that he needed to prove himself.

Unlike most politicians, he was reserved, uncomfortable with people, and Unlike most politicians, he was reserved, uncomfortable with people, and lacked a sense of humor.lacked a sense of humor.

Had a very close inner-circle and tried to avoid the press and other people. Had a very close inner-circle and tried to avoid the press and other people.

Nixon’s StaffNixon’s Staff

H.R. Haldeman- chief H.R. Haldeman- chief of staffof staff

John Ehrlichman- chief John Ehrlichman- chief domestic advisordomestic advisor

Henry Kissinger- Henry Kissinger- national security national security advisor then Secretary advisor then Secretary of Stateof State

The EconomyThe Economy

When Nixon took office, inflation and When Nixon took office, inflation and unemployment were rising.unemployment were rising.

Initially, he hoped to cut federal Initially, he hoped to cut federal spending, but eventually determined spending, but eventually determined deficit spending was necessary to deficit spending was necessary to stimulate the economy.stimulate the economy.

Oil CrisisOil Crisis In 1973, Israel went to war In 1973, Israel went to war

with Egypt and Syria.with Egypt and Syria. The U.S. backed Israel The U.S. backed Israel In response, Arab members In response, Arab members

of OPEC (Organization of of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Petroleum Exporting Countries) imposed an oil Countries) imposed an oil embargo on the U.S.embargo on the U.S.

OPEC also quadrupled oil OPEC also quadrupled oil prices. prices.

Created inflation in the U.S. Created inflation in the U.S. and resulted in further and resulted in further economic recession. economic recession.

Social ProgramsSocial Programs

Nixon wanted to cut back on social Nixon wanted to cut back on social programs started by LBJ.programs started by LBJ.

Once in office, however, he didn’t want to Once in office, however, he didn’t want to lose his appeal to working class voters lose his appeal to working class voters who favored social welfare.who favored social welfare.

He called for what he called a New He called for what he called a New Federalism, for state governments to Federalism, for state governments to share more of the responsibility for the share more of the responsibility for the social welfare of their citizens.social welfare of their citizens.

““Southern Strategy”Southern Strategy” Nixon had won such a little Nixon had won such a little

percentage of the black percentage of the black vote, that he thought by vote, that he thought by trying to improve his trying to improve his appeal to them would only appeal to them would only hurt his support from hurt his support from Southern whites.Southern whites.

Thus, he took a middle road Thus, he took a middle road on integration issues.on integration issues.

Opposed increased bussing Opposed increased bussing that would bring black that would bring black students from other regions students from other regions to integrated schools. to integrated schools.

Nixon’s Supreme CourtNixon’s Supreme Court

Nixon had criticized the Supreme Court for Nixon had criticized the Supreme Court for being too liberal.being too liberal.

During his first term, four justices died or During his first term, four justices died or resigned, allowing him to appoint nearly resigned, allowing him to appoint nearly half the Supreme Court.half the Supreme Court.

Two of his first nominees were rejected by Two of his first nominees were rejected by the Senate for showing racial bias.the Senate for showing racial bias.

Eventually the Senate approved four Eventually the Senate approved four moderate to conservative members to the moderate to conservative members to the SC. SC.

First Moon LandingFirst Moon Landing

On July 20, 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong On July 20, 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. became the first man to walk on the moon.

Fulfilled the goal JFK had sent for the U.S. Fulfilled the goal JFK had sent for the U.S. almost 10 years before, in 1961.almost 10 years before, in 1961.

Section 2: Nixon’s Foreign Section 2: Nixon’s Foreign PolicyPolicy

Nixon’s major foreign policy achievement was an Nixon’s major foreign policy achievement was an easing of tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet easing of tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, and China.Union, and China.

Henry KissingerHenry Kissinger

DétenteDétente

Nixon and Kissinger successfully Nixon and Kissinger successfully negotiated a détente, or a relaxation of negotiated a détente, or a relaxation of tension between the U.S., the Soviet tension between the U.S., the Soviet Union, and China.Union, and China.

During the red scare of the 50s, Nixon had During the red scare of the 50s, Nixon had been the toughest of anti-Communists.been the toughest of anti-Communists.

As president, along w/ Kissinger, however, As president, along w/ Kissinger, however, he began to see foreign policy as a much he began to see foreign policy as a much more complex scenario. more complex scenario.

Shifting RelationshipsShifting Relationships

One major transformation led to some new One major transformation led to some new negotiations: negotiations: The USSR and China, once allies, were now The USSR and China, once allies, were now

bitter enemies.bitter enemies. Kissinger noted, in a game-changing Kissinger noted, in a game-changing

observation, “The deepest international conflict observation, “The deepest international conflict in the world today, is not between us and the in the world today, is not between us and the Soviet Union but between the Soviet Union and Soviet Union but between the Soviet Union and Communist China.” Communist China.”

This challenged the free world v. This challenged the free world v. Communist world understanding widely Communist world understanding widely accepted ever since WWII. accepted ever since WWII.

Thawing Relations with Thawing Relations with ChinaChina

The U.S. had completely refused to recognize the legitimacy The U.S. had completely refused to recognize the legitimacy of China’s Communist government for over 20 years.of China’s Communist government for over 20 years.

Nixon proposed a friendlier relationship and began easing Nixon proposed a friendlier relationship and began easing the relationship.the relationship.

In April, 1971, the American table-tennis team accepted an In April, 1971, the American table-tennis team accepted an invitation to visit the mainland.invitation to visit the mainland. This series of negotiations and eased connections is known, This series of negotiations and eased connections is known,

thus, known as “ping-pong diplomacy”thus, known as “ping-pong diplomacy”

Nixon in ChinaNixon in China

In 1972, Nixon himself became the first American In 1972, Nixon himself became the first American President to visit China.President to visit China.

Détente in Soviet UnionDétente in Soviet Union

Soon after China, Nixon visited the Soviet Union.Soon after China, Nixon visited the Soviet Union. Received an equally warm welcome.Received an equally warm welcome. In friendly meetings with Leonid Brezhnev, they reached In friendly meetings with Leonid Brezhnev, they reached

several agreements on a general easement in the several agreements on a general easement in the relationship between the countries.relationship between the countries.

Limiting Nuclear ArmsLimiting Nuclear Arms

To reduce the nuclear arms race, Nixon To reduce the nuclear arms race, Nixon had started the Strategic Arms Limitation had started the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks in 1969.Talks in 1969.

At their meeting in 1972, Nixon and At their meeting in 1972, Nixon and Brezhnev signed the first major agreement Brezhnev signed the first major agreement known as SALT I.known as SALT I.

SALT I limited the creation and SALT I limited the creation and deployment of ballistic missiles for both deployment of ballistic missiles for both countries.countries.

SALT ISALT I

In reality, SALT I did not reduce the number of nuclear In reality, SALT I did not reduce the number of nuclear warheads possessed by either country.warheads possessed by either country.

In fact, both continued improving their weapons in other ways.In fact, both continued improving their weapons in other ways. It was, however, seen as a positive step toward negotiation It was, however, seen as a positive step toward negotiation

and a willingness to collaborate towards global security. and a willingness to collaborate towards global security.

Section 3: The Watergate Section 3: The Watergate ScandalScandal

In an effort to win reelection in 1972, Nixon In an effort to win reelection in 1972, Nixon attempted to cover up crimes committed by his attempted to cover up crimes committed by his closest staff members that aided him in the closest staff members that aided him in the election. election.

Enemies ListEnemies List Nixon ran the White Nixon ran the White

House with lots of House with lots of secrecy and suspicion.secrecy and suspicion.

He and his staff He and his staff developed an enemy developed an enemy list, of prominent people list, of prominent people seen as opposition to seen as opposition to the administration.the administration.

They arranged for ways They arranged for ways to harass these people; to harass these people; example: income tax example: income tax investigations. investigations.

WiretapsWiretaps To control all To control all

information, Nixon had information, Nixon had wiretaps, listening wiretaps, listening devices, installed on the devices, installed on the telephones of his own telephones of his own staff members.staff members.

He also tapped some He also tapped some news reporters’ phones.news reporters’ phones.

For security reasons For security reasons many of the early many of the early wiretaps were legal, but wiretaps were legal, but led to illegal uses later led to illegal uses later on.on.

The PlumbersThe Plumbers

In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg, former Defense Department official, In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg, former Defense Department official, leaked a secret Pentagon study of the Vietnam War to the NY leaked a secret Pentagon study of the Vietnam War to the NY Times. Times.

Nixon was furious about this and following the leaks organized a Nixon was furious about this and following the leaks organized a group known as the Plumbers to punish Ellsberg.group known as the Plumbers to punish Ellsberg.

They broke into the office of Ellsberg’s psychiatrist hoping to find They broke into the office of Ellsberg’s psychiatrist hoping to find information to discredit his name. information to discredit his name.

1972 Election1972 Election

Nixon was determined to win the 1972 election, and win big.Nixon was determined to win the 1972 election, and win big. He approved questionable slander tactics.He approved questionable slander tactics. His major violation, however, surrounded Watergate.His major violation, however, surrounded Watergate.

The Watergate Break-InThe Watergate Break-In

A group consisting of the “Plumbers” planned to wiretape phones at A group consisting of the “Plumbers” planned to wiretape phones at Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate apartment complex.apartment complex.

Their first break-in failed.Their first break-in failed. On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into Watergate.On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into Watergate.

WatergateWatergate

The Watergate burglars carried money that was linked to The Watergate burglars carried money that was linked to Nixon’s reelection campaign committee.Nixon’s reelection campaign committee.

Nixon contacted the CIA and told them to try and persuade the Nixon contacted the CIA and told them to try and persuade the FBI to stop investigating, as a matter of “national security”.FBI to stop investigating, as a matter of “national security”.

Nixon hadn’t planned the Watergate break-in, but this cover-up Nixon hadn’t planned the Watergate break-in, but this cover-up action involved him in the illegal act. action involved him in the illegal act.

1972 Election1972 Election

The Watergate scandal was successfully kept hidden from The Watergate scandal was successfully kept hidden from the public.the public.

Nixon won the 1972 election in a landslide, 520-17.Nixon won the 1972 election in a landslide, 520-17.

Scandal UnfoldsScandal Unfolds

People kept asking questions about People kept asking questions about Watergate.Watergate.

The trial of the Watergate burglars The trial of the Watergate burglars began in January 1973.began in January 1973.

All the defendants plead guilty, Nixon All the defendants plead guilty, Nixon himself approved “hush money” for himself approved “hush money” for one defendant. one defendant.

Watergate TrialWatergate Trial

Judge John J. Sirica wasn’t satisfied with the lack of information Judge John J. Sirica wasn’t satisfied with the lack of information during the trial.during the trial.

He sentenced them to up to 40 years in prison that could be He sentenced them to up to 40 years in prison that could be reduced if they cooperated with Senate hearings on Watergate.reduced if they cooperated with Senate hearings on Watergate.

Woodward and BernsteinWoodward and Bernstein

Washington Post Washington Post reporters, Bob reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Woodward and Carl Bernstein, were Bernstein, were following leads and following leads and uncovering bits of the uncovering bits of the story.story.

Their continued stories Their continued stories and research helped and research helped slowly uncover White slowly uncover White House involvement. House involvement.

Senate InvestigationsSenate Investigations

One of the burglars One of the burglars agreed to testify before a agreed to testify before a secret session of Senate secret session of Senate committee members.committee members.

His vague testimony His vague testimony suggested Nixon staffers suggested Nixon staffers involvement.involvement.

As rumors spread, Nixon As rumors spread, Nixon forced his top aids, forced his top aids, Haldeman and Haldeman and Ehrlichman, to resign.Ehrlichman, to resign.

InvestigationInvestigation In May 1973, the Senate In May 1973, the Senate

committee began televised committee began televised public hearings.public hearings.

John Dean, the President’s John Dean, the President’s personal legal counselor personal legal counselor testified that Nixon knew testified that Nixon knew about the cover-up.about the cover-up.

Alexander Butterfield, a Alexander Butterfield, a former presidential assistant, former presidential assistant, revealed a secret taping revealed a secret taping system in the Oval Office that system in the Oval Office that recorded all meetings and recorded all meetings and phone conversations. phone conversations.

““Saturday Night Massacre”Saturday Night Massacre” To appear honest, Nixon To appear honest, Nixon

agreed to appoint a special agreed to appoint a special prosecutor to conduct an prosecutor to conduct an independent investigation.independent investigation.

His appointee, Archibald His appointee, Archibald Cox, immediately asked for Cox, immediately asked for the tapes. the tapes.

Nixon refused, then fired Nixon refused, then fired Cox on Saturday, October Cox on Saturday, October 20, 1973. 20, 1973.

This triggered a series of This triggered a series of resignations and firings resignations and firings known as the Saturday known as the Saturday Night Massacre.Night Massacre.

Nixon in JeopardyNixon in Jeopardy Nixon now appeared in Nixon now appeared in

serious trouble.serious trouble. Tried to appear innocent by Tried to appear innocent by

releasing edited transcripts releasing edited transcripts of conversations, taking out of conversations, taking out the most damaging the most damaging evidence.evidence.

Meanwhile, Vice President Meanwhile, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned after Spiro Agnew resigned after being accused of evading being accused of evading taxes and taking bribes.taxes and taking bribes.

Nixon appointed Gerald Ford Nixon appointed Gerald Ford to succeed Agnew. to succeed Agnew.

Hearings BeginHearings Begin

In July 1974, Congress began to determine if Nixon should In July 1974, Congress began to determine if Nixon should be impeached, charged with misconduct. be impeached, charged with misconduct.

On national television, even many Republicans began On national television, even many Republicans began deserting the President. deserting the President.

TapesTapes

Finally on August 5, Finally on August 5, Nixon obeyed a Supreme Nixon obeyed a Supreme Court ruling and released Court ruling and released the tapes.the tapes.

The tapes had a gap of The tapes had a gap of 18.5 minutes that had 18.5 minutes that had been erased. been erased.

Even still, the tapes gave Even still, the tapes gave clear evidence of Nixon’s clear evidence of Nixon’s involvement in the involvement in the coverup.coverup.

Nixon ResignsNixon Resigns

In the face of certain impeachment and removal, Nixon In the face of certain impeachment and removal, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974.resigned on August 9, 1974.

Vice President Gerald Ford was sworn in as President. Vice President Gerald Ford was sworn in as President. Watergate Scandal stands as an event during which Watergate Scandal stands as an event during which

the public trust of government dropped forever. the public trust of government dropped forever.

Section 4: The Ford Section 4: The Ford AdministrationAdministration

Ford faced the difficult task of restoring the Ford faced the difficult task of restoring the public’s confidence in the government.public’s confidence in the government.

Gerald FordGerald Ford Popular football star from Popular football star from

University of Michigan; University of Michigan; won national won national championships in 1932 & championships in 1932 & 33.33.

Served in the navy during Served in the navy during WWIIWWII

Served in the House of Served in the House of Representatives, Representatives, becoming Minority leader becoming Minority leader in 1965.in 1965.

Hard worker, appeared Hard worker, appeared honest and self-reliant. honest and self-reliant.

Recovery from WatergateRecovery from Watergate

Ford recognized his greatest Ford recognized his greatest challenge would be winning challenge would be winning back society’s faith in back society’s faith in government.government.

““The years of suspicion and scandal The years of suspicion and scandal that had culminated in Nixon’s that had culminated in Nixon’s resignation had demoralized our resignation had demoralized our people. They had lost faith in their people. They had lost faith in their elected leaders and in their elected leaders and in their institutions. I knew that unless I did institutions. I knew that unless I did something to restore their trust, I something to restore their trust, I couldn’t win their consent to do couldn’t win their consent to do anything else.” anything else.”

––Gerald FordGerald Ford

Ford Takes OfficeFord Takes Office

Gerald Ford became the Gerald Ford became the first nonelected President.first nonelected President.

Appointed Vice President Appointed Vice President after Spiro Agnew after Spiro Agnew resigned.resigned.

Ford experienced a Ford experienced a relatively warm relatively warm acceptance to the White acceptance to the White House.House.

Washington hoped Ford Washington hoped Ford was the one who could was the one who could redeem the Presidency. redeem the Presidency.

Nixon PardonedNixon Pardoned

One month after Ford became President, he pardoned One month after Ford became President, he pardoned Nixon for “all offenses” he might have committed.Nixon for “all offenses” he might have committed.

The pardon angered many.The pardon angered many. Some suspected a bargain between the two had been made.Some suspected a bargain between the two had been made. Many Nixon staffers faced jail time, as he walked freeMany Nixon staffers faced jail time, as he walked free. .

RecessionRecession

Months of preoccupation with Months of preoccupation with Watergate distracted Nixon from Watergate distracted Nixon from economic recession.economic recession.

In 1974, inflation was 11 percent and In 1974, inflation was 11 percent and unemployment 7 percent.unemployment 7 percent.

High unemployment and inflation = High unemployment and inflation = stagflationstagflation

Conflict with CongressConflict with Congress

Ford believed in limited governmentFord believed in limited government Democratic-controlled Congress wanted increased Democratic-controlled Congress wanted increased

government programs and spending.government programs and spending. Ford frequently vetoed bills to fund new programs, Ford frequently vetoed bills to fund new programs,

and Congress frequently overrode the vetoes. and Congress frequently overrode the vetoes.

South Vietnam FallsSouth Vietnam Falls

In 1975, as South Vietnam seemed about to fall, In 1975, as South Vietnam seemed about to fall, Ford asked for military aid to help.Ford asked for military aid to help.

Congress rejected based on the War Power Act, Congress rejected based on the War Power Act, passed in 1973passed in 1973

War Powers Act stated that President can’t War Powers Act stated that President can’t commit troops without Congressional approval.commit troops without Congressional approval.

EvacuationEvacuation

Ford did agree to send an American airlift to evacuate Ford did agree to send an American airlift to evacuate thousands of Americans and Vietnamese from Saigon. thousands of Americans and Vietnamese from Saigon.

Helsinki AccordsHelsinki Accords President Ford signed the President Ford signed the

Helsinki Accords in 1975.Helsinki Accords in 1975. The U.S., Canada, Soviet The U.S., Canada, Soviet

Union, and 30 European Union, and 30 European countries pledge to countries pledge to cooperate economically, cooperate economically, respect national respect national boundaries, and promote boundaries, and promote human rights. human rights.

Ford also continued Ford also continued Strategic Arms Limitation Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the Soviet Talks (SALT) with the Soviet Union.Union.

BicentennialBicentennial

On July 4, 1976, there was a nationwide celebration for the On July 4, 1976, there was a nationwide celebration for the 200200thth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

There were huge parades, concerts, air shows, and There were huge parades, concerts, air shows, and fireworks throughout the country. fireworks throughout the country.

Section 5: Carter Section 5: Carter AdministrationAdministration

Jimmy Carter had strong ideals but had difficulty Jimmy Carter had strong ideals but had difficulty implementing them in Washington. Ultimately, his implementing them in Washington. Ultimately, his presidency was tainted by a hostage situation in Iran.presidency was tainted by a hostage situation in Iran.

Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter Carter was a southerner; Carter was a southerner;

came from a family of came from a family of peanut farmers in rural peanut farmers in rural Georgia. Georgia.

He worked the family He worked the family business before entering business before entering politics and becoming the politics and becoming the governor of Georgia in governor of Georgia in 1970.1970.

A born-again Baptist, A born-again Baptist, deeply religious, but deeply religious, but tolerant of others. tolerant of others.

CarterCarter People liked Carter’s People liked Carter’s

personable, southern personable, southern personality.personality.

He and his family He and his family shunned the status shunned the status symbols of the symbols of the presidency; limousines, presidency; limousines, trumpeted entrances.trumpeted entrances.

Society liked his lack of Society liked his lack of connections in connections in Washington after the Washington after the corruption of Nixon. corruption of Nixon.

The EconomyThe Economy

His lack of Washington experience His lack of Washington experience hurt him in office and he struggled to hurt him in office and he struggled to pass legislation. pass legislation.

When he cut federal spending to stop When he cut federal spending to stop inflation, unemployment increased inflation, unemployment increased and he angered liberal democrats by and he angered liberal democrats by cutting social programs.cutting social programs.

EnergyEnergy

OPEC steadily raised prices throughout the 70s and OPEC steadily raised prices throughout the 70s and Carter believed major energy conservation was Carter believed major energy conservation was necessary.necessary.

In 1978 he passed the National Energy ActIn 1978 he passed the National Energy Act Tax sales of inefficient, “gas guzzling,” cars.Tax sales of inefficient, “gas guzzling,” cars. Use fuels other than oil or natural gas for utilities.Use fuels other than oil or natural gas for utilities. Provide tax credits to homeowners using solar energy or insulation.Provide tax credits to homeowners using solar energy or insulation. Fund research for alternative energy sources.Fund research for alternative energy sources.

Three Mile IslandThree Mile Island

Nuclear power seemed a promising alternative energy.Nuclear power seemed a promising alternative energy. In 1979, TMI, near Harrisburg, PA, had a partial meltdown.In 1979, TMI, near Harrisburg, PA, had a partial meltdown. Over 140,000 people fled their homes.Over 140,000 people fled their homes. The story shocked the world and greatly diminished the push for The story shocked the world and greatly diminished the push for

nuclear power. nuclear power.

Civil RightsCivil Rights

Carter granted amnesty, pardon, to Carter granted amnesty, pardon, to those who had evaded the draft those who had evaded the draft during Vietnam.during Vietnam.

Carter’s staff included many more Carter’s staff included many more women and minorities than former women and minorities than former administrations. administrations.

Camp David AccordsCamp David Accords In 1977, Egypt’s President In 1977, Egypt’s President

went to negotiate with went to negotiate with Israel’s Prime Minister. Israel’s Prime Minister.

The two had major The two had major conflicts and had conflicts and had problems compromising.problems compromising.

Carter invited them both Carter invited them both to Camp David to talk to Camp David to talk things out.things out.

Carter demonstrated Carter demonstrated diplomacy and diplomacy and peacemaking by peacemaking by mediating peace terms.mediating peace terms.

Camp David AccordsCamp David Accords

Under a new treaty, the Camp David Accords…Under a new treaty, the Camp David Accords… Israel would withdraw from the Sinai peninsula.Israel would withdraw from the Sinai peninsula. Egypt would become the first Arab country to Egypt would become the first Arab country to

recognize Israel’s existence. recognize Israel’s existence.

Soviet RelationsSoviet Relations

Carter supported Soviet dissidents, Carter supported Soviet dissidents, critics of government, and believed critics of government, and believed they had the right to speak out.they had the right to speak out.

This angered Soviet leaders, leading This angered Soviet leaders, leading to tension.to tension.

Soviets invade AfghanistanSoviets invade Afghanistan In 1979, Carter and In 1979, Carter and

Brezhnev signed SALT II.Brezhnev signed SALT II. Within months, the Within months, the

USSR invaded USSR invaded Afghanistan to support a Afghanistan to support a government they government they backed.backed.

The U.S. and U.N. both The U.S. and U.N. both issued warnings to the issued warnings to the Soviets, imposed Soviets, imposed embargos on goods, and embargos on goods, and boycotted the 1980 boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympic Moscow Olympic Games.Games.

Détente was over.Détente was over.

Iran Hostage CrisisIran Hostage Crisis In 1979, Iran had a In 1979, Iran had a

revolution and became revolution and became an Islamic theocracy- an Islamic theocracy- ruled by religious ruled by religious leaders.leaders.

The U.S. had supported The U.S. had supported the former king of Iran the former king of Iran who was a pro-West, who was a pro-West, modernizing force.modernizing force.

He was replaced by an He was replaced by an Islamic leader, the Islamic leader, the Ayatollah Khomeini. Ayatollah Khomeini.

Iran Hostage CrisisIran Hostage Crisis

The new Iranian theocracy was a strict Islamic state, and opposed to the U.S.The new Iranian theocracy was a strict Islamic state, and opposed to the U.S. In November, 1979, Iranians seized the American embassy and took In November, 1979, Iranians seized the American embassy and took

American embassy workers hostage.American embassy workers hostage. For 444 days, 52 embassy workers were taken hostage. For 444 days, 52 embassy workers were taken hostage.

Iran Hostage CrisisIran Hostage Crisis

Americans were impatient for the hostages’ release.Americans were impatient for the hostages’ release. Carter tried cutting off Iranian assets in the U.S.Carter tried cutting off Iranian assets in the U.S. Tried a rescue mission that failed, two aircraft collided Tried a rescue mission that failed, two aircraft collided

and killed 8 U.S. soldiers.and killed 8 U.S. soldiers. Carter’s popularity plummeted. Carter’s popularity plummeted.

1980 Election1980 Election

With low popularity, Carter seemed unlikely to win in 1980.With low popularity, Carter seemed unlikely to win in 1980. Republican Ronald Reagan won the election.Republican Ronald Reagan won the election. After months of secret talks, Iranians released the hostages the day After months of secret talks, Iranians released the hostages the day

Carter left office.Carter left office. Carter was sent to greet them at a U.S. military base in West Germany.Carter was sent to greet them at a U.S. military base in West Germany.