Nixon, Ford, Carter & Reagan Presidencies

May 19, 2014 Note Packet “L”

Nixon Doctrine No more direct US military protection in Asia

Relationship with China Nixon & Zedong agreed to normal diplomatic

relations Open to economic & cultural exchanges Reduced tensions

Nixon’s Foreign Policy

Relationship with the Soviet Union Détente

“warm the cold war” & prevent open conflict

“Realpolitik” – decisions based on what US needed for strength & stability

Nixon’s Foreign Policy

Relationship with the Soviet Union SALT (Strategic Arms Limitations Talks)

SALT agreement set limits on numbers of defensive missile sites & offensive missiles each nation would keep

Nixon’s Foreign Policy

Gov’t response to environmental & consumer movements

New Federalism Reduce role of fed. gov’t, increase state gov’t Revenue sharing – fed gov’t gives some

income to states Slow inflation caused by Vietnam

Wage-price freeze

Nixon’s Domestic Policy

Space Program Neil Armstrong

26th amendment Women’s rights movement

Nixon’s Domestic Policy

What – illiegal break-in to wiretap phones in Democratic Party HQs

Where – Watergate Towers (apt. complex in DC)

When – July 17, 2972 Who – Committee to Reelect the President

(acting w/knowledge of high-level Nixon advisors)

Why – secure info to undermine Democratic Party

The Watergate Affair

The Cover-Up Senate est. a committee to look into “illegal

activities” Nixon’s VP charged with tax evasion, Ford

becomes VP Senate uncovers tape recordings

between Nixon & aides Supreme Court demanded tapes Nixon

refused voting to impeach Nixon resigns

The Watergate Affair

Significance of Watergate Showed the Constitution

works (system of checks & balances)

Decline in public trust of gov’t

The Watergate Affair

Assisted in negotiations in Middle East Continued Détente policy

Ford’s Foreign Policy

Nixon’s pardon Public questioned decision

Amnesty Plan Met criticism when offered amnesty to

thousands who avoided Vietnam draft

Ford’s Domestic Policy

Inflation OPEC (Organization of Petroleum

Exporting Countries) placed embargo on US (supported Israel)

Gas & oil doubles

Ford’s Domestic Policy

Helsinki Accords Promised to respect basic human rights,

withhold aid to nations in violation Camp David Accords

Peace treaty between Israel & Egypt mediated by Carter

Carter’s Foreign Policy

Détente problems Détente ended when Soviet Union invaded

Afghanistan US cut off grain shipments to Soviets Boycotted Olympics

Hostage Crisis Islamic Rebels seized US embassy in Teheran

holding 50+ hostages

Carter’s Foreign Policy

Stagflation Unproductivity of economy & inflation of

prices Energy problem

40% of oil imported, world’s leading energy consumer

Urged development of alternative fuel sources Corporate Bailouts

Corporations failing b/c of stagflation Huge loans given out

Carter’s Domestic Policy

Environmental problems Stagflation prevented implementing

environment programs Nuclear Energy

Possible alternative to oil & coal Three Mile Island Accident

Shed light on hazards of nuclear power

Carter’s Domestic Policy

Election of 1980 Republican candidate Reagan promised new

beginning Swept election

Carter’s Domestic Policy

Adopted a tough stand towards communism Intervention in Central America

Continued support to countries in communist threat

Limited military intervention Failed peacekeeping attempts in Middle East Terrorism

Reagan’s First Term Foreign Policy

“Reaganomics” supply – side economics

Tax breaks to businesses & wealthy Ones who will reinvest, encourage economic

growth Trickle – Down economics

Economic growth depends on increased amount of capital available to businesses

Reagan’s First Term Domestic Policy

“Star Wars” National security depends on defense SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative) – massive

satellite shield to intercept & destroy Soviet missiles

Immigration reform Forbids employers form hiring illegal

immigrants (didn’t solve problem)

Reagan’s First Term Domestic Policy

Reagan (P) & George H.W. Bush (VP) won 1st president since Eisenhower to serve 2 full

terms

Election of 1984

Iran – Contra Affair Presidential aides sold weapons to Iran in

exchange for freeing hostages Money went to support anti-communist

reels in Nicaragua (contras) Presidential stance on ban on terrorism

bargaining, aid to contras

Reagan’s Second Term Foreign Policy

Renewal of Détente Gorbachev criticism “Star Wars”, called for

renewal of détente Gorbachev’s glasnost & perestroika

Increased political freedom in Soviet Union, E Europe, some free enterprise to improve economic conditions

Arms Reductions Elimination of short range & medium range

land-based missiles

Reagan’s Second Term Foreign Policy

End of the Cold War Reform & anticommunist movements in E

Europe Berlin Wall fell, Germany reunited Soviet Union broken up

Reagan’s Second Term Foreign Policy

Continued terrorism Drug trade Ending apartheid in Africa

Reagan’s Second Term Foreign Policy

Continued New Federalism Criticism of deficit spending (spend more

than you make) & tax cuts

Reagan’s Second Term Domestic Policy