Nixon’s VietnamNixon’s Vietnam In the summer of 1969 Pres. Nixon In the summer of 1969 Pres. Nixon

announced the first withdraw of troops announced the first withdraw of troops from Vietnamfrom Vietnam

Negotiations with N. Vietnam were at an Negotiations with N. Vietnam were at an impasse impasse – The U.S. and S. Vietnam demanded that all N. The U.S. and S. Vietnam demanded that all N.

Vietnamese forces withdraw from S. Vietnam & Vietnamese forces withdraw from S. Vietnam & that Nguyen Van Thieu (new leader of S. that Nguyen Van Thieu (new leader of S. Vietnam) remain in powerVietnam) remain in power

– The North Vietnamese insisted that The North Vietnamese insisted that U.S. troops withdraw from S. U.S. troops withdraw from S. Vietnam and that the Thieu Vietnam and that the Thieu government step aside for a government step aside for a coalition gov’t that included the coalition gov’t that included the Vietcong Vietcong

Below: Nguyen Van Thieu w/ Pres. Johnson

VietnamizatioVietnamizationn Pres. Nixon conferred with his new Pres. Nixon conferred with his new

National Security Advisor Henry National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger (an emigrant who had Kissinger (an emigrant who had earned 3 degrees from Harvard) earned 3 degrees from Harvard)

They developed a plan known as They developed a plan known as VIETNAMIZATIONVIETNAMIZATION

Vietnamization called for the gradual Vietnamization called for the gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops in order for withdrawal of U.S. troops in order for the S. Vietnamese to take on a more the S. Vietnamese to take on a more active combat roleactive combat role– The U.S. knew however that the S. The U.S. knew however that the S.

Vietnamese couldn’t stand on their Vietnamese couldn’t stand on their own & were admitting defeatown & were admitting defeat

By August of 1969 25,000 U.S. troops By August of 1969 25,000 U.S. troops had returned homehad returned home

Over the next 3 years the number of Over the next 3 years the number of troops in Vietnam went from 500,000 troops in Vietnam went from 500,000 to 25,000to 25,000

Pres. Nixon was trying to acquire what Pres. Nixon was trying to acquire what he called “Peace with Honor”he called “Peace with Honor”

Pres. Nixon tried to keep dignity for Pres. Nixon tried to keep dignity for the U.S. by this drawn out withdraw & the U.S. by this drawn out withdraw & still demanded that the S. Vietnamese still demanded that the S. Vietnamese gov’t remain intactgov’t remain intact

Even as the U.S. was pulling ground Even as the U.S. was pulling ground troops out Pres. Nixon ordered troops out Pres. Nixon ordered massive bombing attacks on North massive bombing attacks on North Vietnam and also on Vietcong supply Vietnam and also on Vietcong supply lines in Cambodia and Laoslines in Cambodia and Laos

Above: ARVN soldiers walking Through a rice patty

Below: U.S. fighter bombers

My Lai My Lai MassacreMassacre

In November of 1969 the In November of 1969 the New York Times New York Times reporter Seymour reporter Seymour Hersh broke news about an incident in March of 1968 in the Hersh broke news about an incident in March of 1968 in the small village of My Lai in the northern part of S. Vietnamsmall village of My Lai in the northern part of S. Vietnam

A U.S. platoon under the command of Lt. William Calley Jr. while A U.S. platoon under the command of Lt. William Calley Jr. while searching for Vietcong rounded up more than 200 innocent searching for Vietcong rounded up more than 200 innocent Vietnamese (mostly women, children, and elderly men) and shot Vietnamese (mostly women, children, and elderly men) and shot & killed them& killed them

One soldier when asked what their directive had been replied One soldier when asked what their directive had been replied “Kill anything that breathed”“Kill anything that breathed”– The soldiers claimed that they were just following ordersThe soldiers claimed that they were just following orders

25 soldiers were charged with some degree of responsibility but 25 soldiers were charged with some degree of responsibility but only Lt. Calley was convicted & imprisonedonly Lt. Calley was convicted & imprisoned

The Invasion of CambodiaThe Invasion of Cambodia The countries mood in 1970 was The countries mood in 1970 was

much less explosivemuch less explosive– Troops were coming home & the end was Troops were coming home & the end was

in sightin sight On April 30,1970 President Nixon On April 30,1970 President Nixon

announced that U.S. troops had announced that U.S. troops had

invaded Cambodia to clear out N. invaded Cambodia to clear out N. Vietnamese & Vietcong supply Vietnamese & Vietcong supply centerscenters

College students across the nation College students across the nation burst into protestsburst into protests

Over 1.5 million college students Over 1.5 million college students closed down 1,200 college campuses closed down 1,200 college campuses

The Invasion of CambodiaThe Invasion of Cambodia Despite Nixon’s Despite Nixon’s

election the bloody election the bloody war in Vietnam war in Vietnam raged onraged on

With the invasion With the invasion of Cambodia the of Cambodia the Vietcong & N. Vietcong & N. Vietnamese efforts Vietnamese efforts intensified as wellintensified as well

American American casualties casualties mounted as did mounted as did Vietcong Vietcong

MeKong DeltaMeKong Delta

The MeKong River The MeKong River delta area in South delta area in South Vietnam near Saigon Vietnam near Saigon became a violent became a violent battle groundbattle ground

Kent Kent State State

MassacreMassacre

Kent State Kent State MassacreMassacre At Kent State University (Oh.) At Kent State University (Oh.)

massive student protests led to massive student protests led to the burning of the ROTC buildingthe burning of the ROTC building

On May 4, 1970 the mayor On May 4, 1970 the mayor called the National Guard & they called the National Guard & they fired live ammunition into a fired live ammunition into a crowd of campus protesters who crowd of campus protesters who were hurling rocks at themwere hurling rocks at them– The gunfire wounded nine people The gunfire wounded nine people

and killed fourand killed four

Above: National Guard’s guarding the burnt down ROTC building Bottom Right: National Guard firing into the crowdBottom Middle: N. Guards on field at Kent StateFar Left: Women agonizing over dead friend

Kent State MassacreKent State Massacre

Continued ProtestsContinued Protests Ten days later violence erupted on Ten days later violence erupted on

the all-black college of Jackson the all-black college of Jackson State in MississippiState in Mississippi

National Guardsmen once again National Guardsmen once again fired on a crowd of demonstrators fired on a crowd of demonstrators that were throwing glass bottlesthat were throwing glass bottles

12 students were wounded and 2 12 students were wounded and 2 were killed (both innocent were killed (both innocent bystanders) bystanders)

The country was sharply divided The country was sharply divided over the shootingsover the shootings– Many people supported the Guardsmen Many people supported the Guardsmen

& felt that the students got what they & felt that the students got what they asked forasked for

The Building and Construction The Building and Construction Trades Council in New York held a Trades Council in New York held a rally with over 100,000 member rally with over 100,000 member supporting the government & it’s supporting the government & it’s actionsactions

The Pentagon PapersThe Pentagon Papers After Nixon & Kissinger embarked on a After Nixon & Kissinger embarked on a

bombing & then invasion policy towards bombing & then invasion policy towards Cambodia with out even informing Cambodia with out even informing Congress the U.S. Congress repealed the Congress the U.S. Congress repealed the Tonkin Gulf Resolution on Dec. 31, 1970Tonkin Gulf Resolution on Dec. 31, 1970

In June of 1971 a former Defense In June of 1971 a former Defense Department worker leaked a 7,000 page Department worker leaked a 7,000 page document written by then Sec. of Defense document written by then Sec. of Defense Robert McNamara from (1967-1968)Robert McNamara from (1967-1968)– These documents revealed the gov’t had drawn These documents revealed the gov’t had drawn

up plans for entering the war even while Pres. up plans for entering the war even while Pres. Johnson had been promising not entering troopsJohnson had been promising not entering troops

– They also showed that the U.S. had no plans of They also showed that the U.S. had no plans of leaving Vietnam leaving Vietnam

The Pentagon Papers confirmed many The Pentagon Papers confirmed many people’s belief that the gov’t had not been people’s belief that the gov’t had not been honest about it’s war intentions honest about it’s war intentions

Sec. State Kissinger

Sec. Defense McNamara

President Johnson

The War continuesThe War continues In March of 1972 the North In March of 1972 the North

Vietnamese & Vietcong Vietnamese & Vietcong launched their largest launched their largest offensive since Tet offensive since Tet

President Nixon ordered a President Nixon ordered a massive bombing of North massive bombing of North Vietnamese cities Vietnamese cities

He also ordered Haiphong He also ordered Haiphong harbor (where Soviet & harbor (where Soviet & Chinese forces brought Chinese forces brought supplies) to be minedsupplies) to be mined

The bombings were able to The bombings were able to stop the Vietnamese assault stop the Vietnamese assault but the stalemate continuedbut the stalemate continued

The War continuesThe War continues With 1972 being an election year With 1972 being an election year

President Nixon decided to push for an President Nixon decided to push for an end to hostilities in Vietnamend to hostilities in Vietnam– Henry Kissinger handled the negotiations for Henry Kissinger handled the negotiations for

the U.S. with Le Duc Tho from North Vietnamthe U.S. with Le Duc Tho from North Vietnam– Finally in 1972 Nixon (Kissinger) and the U.S. Finally in 1972 Nixon (Kissinger) and the U.S.

dropped their demands that all North dropped their demands that all North Vietnamese soldiers leave S. Vietnam before Vietnamese soldiers leave S. Vietnam before a U.S. withdrawla U.S. withdrawl

Kissinger announced that “Peace Kissinger announced that “Peace

is at hand” is at hand”

shortly before shortly before

the electionthe election

Sec. of State Henry Kissinger

RealPolitikRealPolitik President Nixon & his National Security President Nixon & his National Security

Advisor (later Sec. of State) Henry Advisor (later Sec. of State) Henry Kissinger changed U.S. foreign policy Kissinger changed U.S. foreign policy from that of containment to a new idea known as from that of containment to a new idea known as RealPolitik or Political RealismRealPolitik or Political Realism

Under the U.S.’s containment policy the U.S. refused Under the U.S.’s containment policy the U.S. refused to officially recognize countries with communist to officially recognize countries with communist governmentsgovernments

Under RealPolitik the U.S. would base decisions Under RealPolitik the U.S. would base decisions solely on consideration of power instead of moral solely on consideration of power instead of moral ideals or principlesideals or principles – Ignoring some counties if they were weakIgnoring some counties if they were weak– But recognizing powerful countries even if they were But recognizing powerful countries even if they were

communistcommunist This new policy of détente meant a more flexible This new policy of détente meant a more flexible

approach and negotiation with communist countries approach and negotiation with communist countries

Nixon visits Nixon visits ChinaChina

The U.S. had not formally recognized The U.S. had not formally recognized mainland China since the communist mainland China since the communist took over in 1949took over in 1949

President Nixon reversed this policy in President Nixon reversed this policy in 1971 when he announced that he would 1971 when he announced that he would visit the country to “visit the country to “seek the seek the normalization of relations between the normalization of relations between the two countries”two countries”

The Soviets and Chinese communists The Soviets and Chinese communists were feuding and had broken ties in 1960 were feuding and had broken ties in 1960

President Nixon wanted to take President Nixon wanted to take advantage of this advantage of this

In February of 1972 Nixon landed in In February of 1972 Nixon landed in Beijing & met with Chinese premier Zhou Beijing & met with Chinese premier Zhou En-lai En-lai

This would also lay the groundwork for This would also lay the groundwork for economic relations with the Chinese and economic relations with the Chinese and their growing populationtheir growing population

Nixon visits MoscowNixon visits Moscow In May of 1972, 3 months after his visit to In May of 1972, 3 months after his visit to

China Pres. Nixon went to the U.S.S.R. China Pres. Nixon went to the U.S.S.R. becoming the 1becoming the 1stst U.S. President ever to do U.S. President ever to do soso

Nixon and Soviet Premier Brezhnev began Nixon and Soviet Premier Brezhnev began a series of meetings known as the a series of meetings known as the SStrategic trategic AArms rms LLimitation imitation TTalks (SALT)alks (SALT)

Nixon and Brezhnev signed the SALT I Nixon and Brezhnev signed the SALT I Treaty Treaty – This was a 5 year agreement to limit the This was a 5 year agreement to limit the

number of ICBM’s (Inter-Continental number of ICBM’s (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles) and submarine launched Ballistic Missiles) and submarine launched missiles to 1972 levelsmissiles to 1972 levels

These are the missiles that could carry These are the missiles that could carry nuclear warheads to the U.S. from U.S.S.R. nuclear warheads to the U.S. from U.S.S.R. and vice-versaand vice-versa

These Foreign Policy victories and a rosier These Foreign Policy victories and a rosier outlook in Vietnam led to success in the outlook in Vietnam led to success in the ‘72 election for Pres. Nixon‘72 election for Pres. Nixon

Nixon wins reelectionNixon wins reelection

Pres. Nixon wins reelection but peace did not come Pres. Nixon wins reelection but peace did not come quicklyquickly– The Thieu gov’t of S. Vietnam rejected Kissinger’s The Thieu gov’t of S. Vietnam rejected Kissinger’s

planplan– Talks between the two side broke off in Dec. of 1972Talks between the two side broke off in Dec. of 1972

In a response to this Pres. Nixon ordered 11 straight days In a response to this Pres. Nixon ordered 11 straight days of bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong (over 100,000 bombs) of bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong (over 100,000 bombs) the two largest cities in N. Vietnamthe two largest cities in N. Vietnam

The two sides returned to the bargaining table and The two sides returned to the bargaining table and on Jan. 27on Jan. 27thth of 1973 the U.S. & N. Vietnam signed of 1973 the U.S. & N. Vietnam signed an agreement ending the war known as the Paris an agreement ending the war known as the Paris Peace AccordsPeace Accords– On March 29, 1973 the last U.S. combat troops left for On March 29, 1973 the last U.S. combat troops left for

homehome– For the U.S. the Vietnam War had endedFor the U.S. the Vietnam War had ended

P.O.W.’s celebrating

their return home in

1973

The Paris Peace AccordsThe Paris Peace Accords Despite U.S. troops leaving the battle Despite U.S. troops leaving the battle

the war in Vietnam raged on between the war in Vietnam raged on between

North & South VietnamNorth & South Vietnam– Just months after the U.S. withdrawal the Just months after the U.S. withdrawal the

cease-fire agreement was brokencease-fire agreement was broken In March of 1975 after nearly two years In March of 1975 after nearly two years

of fighting the North Vietnamese launched of fighting the North Vietnamese launched

a full-scale invasion against the Southa full-scale invasion against the South– Thieu asked the U.S. for help but President Ford (whom had Thieu asked the U.S. for help but President Ford (whom had

taken over for Nixon after Watergate) refused, providing taken over for Nixon after Watergate) refused, providing only economic aidonly economic aid

On April 30, 1975 North Vietnamese tanks rolled into On April 30, 1975 North Vietnamese tanks rolled into Saigon & captured the S. Vietnamese capital Saigon & captured the S. Vietnamese capital – Soon after S. Vietnam surrendered to the NorthSoon after S. Vietnam surrendered to the North

The Legacy of VietnamThe Legacy of Vietnam 58,000 Americans were killed 58,000 Americans were killed

and some 303,000 were and some 303,000 were

wounded in Vietnamwounded in Vietnam North & South Vietnamese North & South Vietnamese

deaths reached over 2 milliondeaths reached over 2 million The result of the war led many The result of the war led many

Americans to be more cautious about foreign Americans to be more cautious about foreign affairs & more cynical towards the governmentaffairs & more cynical towards the government

The War Powers Act of 1973The War Powers Act of 1973– Said that the President must inform Congress within 48 Said that the President must inform Congress within 48

hours of sending forces w/o a declaration of warhours of sending forces w/o a declaration of war– Troops may remain there no longer than 90 days without Troops may remain there no longer than 90 days without

congressional approval congressional approval

Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C.

Vietnam after Vietnam after the Warthe War

N. Vietnamese communists N. Vietnamese communists imprisoned more than 400,000 imprisoned more than 400,000 South Vietnamese in South Vietnamese in ““reeducation” or labor campsreeducation” or labor camps– This prompted 1.5 million Vietnamese to fleeThis prompted 1.5 million Vietnamese to flee

Citizens who had supported U.S. war effort and businessmen whom Citizens who had supported U.S. war effort and businessmen whom the communists expelled when they nationalized the countries the communists expelled when they nationalized the countries businessesbusinesses

Thousands of “boat people” or poor Vietnamese left Thousands of “boat people” or poor Vietnamese left with nothing and traveled across the S. China Sea in with nothing and traveled across the S. China Sea in barges and row boatsbarges and row boats– Nearly 50,000 died on the high seas from exposure, drowning, Nearly 50,000 died on the high seas from exposure, drowning,

illness, or piracyillness, or piracy U.S. invasion of Cambodia started a civil war in which U.S. invasion of Cambodia started a civil war in which

the communist group Khmer Rouge began to execute the communist group Khmer Rouge began to execute professionals and others with education or foreign tiesprofessionals and others with education or foreign ties– It is thought that over 1 million Cambodians were killed It is thought that over 1 million Cambodians were killed

Nixon after VietnamNixon after Vietnam President Nixon believed in shrinking President Nixon believed in shrinking

the size of the federal governmentthe size of the federal government– This became known as “New This became known as “New

Federalism”Federalism” President Nixon began advocating President Nixon began advocating

the Family Assistance the Family Assistance

Plan that would reduce the role of the Federal Plan that would reduce the role of the Federal government and make welfare recipients responsible government and make welfare recipients responsible for their own livesfor their own lives– Requiring work with welfare checksRequiring work with welfare checks– The bill passed the House before being rejected in the The bill passed the House before being rejected in the

SenateSenate Pres. Nixon increased Social Security, Medicare, and Pres. Nixon increased Social Security, Medicare, and

Medicaid paymentsMedicaid payments

Nixon after VietnamNixon after Vietnam

After his election in 1968 Pres. Nixon tried After his election in 1968 Pres. Nixon tried to both end the war in Vietnam and then to both end the war in Vietnam and then restore order between the conservatives restore order between the conservatives and the “hippies”and the “hippies”

Nixon used the FBI to illegally wiretap left-Nixon used the FBI to illegally wiretap left-wing individuals including the Democratic wing individuals including the Democratic offices in the Watergate Hoteloffices in the Watergate Hotel– He also used the CIA to investigate individuals He also used the CIA to investigate individuals

and even the Internal Revenue Service to audit and even the Internal Revenue Service to audit the tax returns of anti-war & civil rights activiststhe tax returns of anti-war & civil rights activists

Lasting Effects of the Counter Lasting Effects of the Counter cultureculture

This counter culture was responsible for a new This counter culture was responsible for a new feminist movementfeminist movement– More women in the workforceMore women in the workforce

The Roe v. Wade abortion decision (1973)The Roe v. Wade abortion decision (1973)– Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal in the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal in the

United StatesUnited States Anti-War protests that eventually led to the War Anti-War protests that eventually led to the War

Powers Act of 1973Powers Act of 1973– Restrictions on the President for using U.S. troops abroadRestrictions on the President for using U.S. troops abroad

Motown & the birth of African-American artistsMotown & the birth of African-American artists Long hair and bright colorful clothing (tie-dye, beads, Long hair and bright colorful clothing (tie-dye, beads,

& blue jeans) & blue jeans) More drug useMore drug use Greater emphasis on freedom of expressionGreater emphasis on freedom of expression More violence in television and the moviesMore violence in television and the movies

Lasting Effects of the Counter Lasting Effects of the Counter cultureculture

The casual aspect of the counter culture The casual aspect of the counter culture had a lasting effecthad a lasting effect– American attitudes toward sexual behavior American attitudes toward sexual behavior

became more casual and permissivebecame more casual and permissive This led to the sexual revolutionThis led to the sexual revolution

Magazines, books, music, and movies Magazines, books, music, and movies began to address the subject of sex and began to address the subject of sex and violence that had once been prohibitedviolence that had once been prohibited

These liberal attitudes and changes These liberal attitudes and changes were soon met with a conservative were soon met with a conservative response that would lead to Richard response that would lead to Richard Nixon’s election Nixon’s election

Fight for EqualityFight for Equality A new feminist movement began in the A new feminist movement began in the

late 1960’s & 1970’s. late 1960’s & 1970’s. – A 1963 Presidential commission reported that A 1963 Presidential commission reported that

women were paid far less than men even women were paid far less than men even when doing the same jobswhen doing the same jobs

– It also stated that women were seldom It also stated that women were seldom promoted to management positions, promoted to management positions, regardless of their education, experience, or regardless of their education, experience, or abilityability

The National Organization for Women The National Organization for Women (NOW) was established to protest (NOW) was established to protest women’s rights; founded by Betty women’s rights; founded by Betty FriedanFriedan– By 1969 175,000 members had joined By 1969 175,000 members had joined

Gloria Steinem a liberal journalist & Gloria Steinem a liberal journalist & political activist started the National political activist started the National Women’s Political Caucus to encourage Women’s Political Caucus to encourage women to seek political office & often women to seek political office & often spoke out for women’s equalityspoke out for women’s equality

Woman political activistsGloria Steinem

Fight for EqualityFight for Equality In 1972 Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) In 1972 Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

– It then needed the ratification of 38 states to be added to the It then needed the ratification of 38 states to be added to the constitutionconstitution

The bill would guarantee that both men & women had the The bill would guarantee that both men & women had the same rights under the lawsame rights under the law– Some influential women such as conservative Phyllis Schlafly felt Some influential women such as conservative Phyllis Schlafly felt

that there were unintended problems with this billthat there were unintended problems with this bill She said that it could lead to women being drafted into the militaryShe said that it could lead to women being drafted into the military End of the husbands responsibility to provide for his family under the lawEnd of the husbands responsibility to provide for his family under the law Same-sex marriagesSame-sex marriages

The debate over this bill sparked a New Right movement to The debate over this bill sparked a New Right movement to combat the new feminist movementcombat the new feminist movement– This new right was known as a “Pro Family” movement against the This new right was known as a “Pro Family” movement against the

Pro-Abortion, pro-ERA supportersPro-Abortion, pro-ERA supporters– They became focused on social, cultural, and moral problemsThey became focused on social, cultural, and moral problems

By leading the Conservative charge Phyllis Schlafly changed By leading the Conservative charge Phyllis Schlafly changed the debate from political and economic to culturalthe debate from political and economic to cultural

The ERA went down in defeat in June of 1982 (the deadline for The ERA went down in defeat in June of 1982 (the deadline for ratification)ratification)

The women’s movement had a large effect on people’s views The women’s movement had a large effect on people’s views & attitudes& attitudes– A 1965 survey of Stanford Univ. graduates showed 70% planned A 1965 survey of Stanford Univ. graduates showed 70% planned

not to work when their children were preschool agenot to work when their children were preschool age– A 1970 survey of Stanford Univ. graduates showed 7% planned to A 1970 survey of Stanford Univ. graduates showed 7% planned to

stop working when their children were preschool agestop working when their children were preschool age– 1970 only 8% of medical school graduates & 5% of law graduates 1970 only 8% of medical school graduates & 5% of law graduates

were womenwere women– 1998 42% of med. school graduates & 44% of law school 1998 42% of med. school graduates & 44% of law school

graduates were womengraduates were women

Conservative woman’s leader

Phyllis Schlafly

Nixon’s CourtNixon’s Court During his 5 years in office President Nixon appointed 4 During his 5 years in office President Nixon appointed 4

new members to the United States Supreme Courtnew members to the United States Supreme Court– Chief Justice Warren Burger, Harry Blackmun, Lewis Powell, & Chief Justice Warren Burger, Harry Blackmun, Lewis Powell, &

William RehnquistWilliam Rehnquist Nixon tried appointing staunch southern conservatives that Nixon tried appointing staunch southern conservatives that

were generally unqualified to serve on the Supreme Courtwere generally unqualified to serve on the Supreme Court– These appointments met much hostility and were rejected but did These appointments met much hostility and were rejected but did

win Nixon much support from Southerners in the 1972 electionwin Nixon much support from Southerners in the 1972 election Despite his attempt to make the court more conservative it Despite his attempt to make the court more conservative it

remained moderate with only one of the four appointees remained moderate with only one of the four appointees having a conservative recordhaving a conservative record

Warren Burger Harry Blackmun Lewis Powell William Rehnquist

StagflationStagflation During the first term of Nixon’s presidency the During the first term of Nixon’s presidency the

U.S. was involved in an economy that had high U.S. was involved in an economy that had high inflation and high unemployment inflation and high unemployment – This state is known as STAGFLATIONThis state is known as STAGFLATION

High inflation was a result of the deficit High inflation was a result of the deficit spending by LBJ to fund both the Vietnam war spending by LBJ to fund both the Vietnam war and his Great Society programsand his Great Society programs

High unemployment was the result of women, High unemployment was the result of women, baby boomers and migrant workers entering baby boomers and migrant workers entering the workforce as well as the U.S. reliance on the workforce as well as the U.S. reliance on foreign oilforeign oil

The U.S. received much of it’s oil from middle The U.S. received much of it’s oil from middle eastern oil producing countries of OPEC eastern oil producing countries of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries)

Struggling EconomyStruggling Economy

Yom Kippur WarYom Kippur War On October 6, 1973 war broke out On October 6, 1973 war broke out

when the combined forces of Syria when the combined forces of Syria and Egypt invaded Israel on Yom and Egypt invaded Israel on Yom Kippur the most sacred Jewish holidayKippur the most sacred Jewish holiday– Fighting only lasted 3 weeks but 7,700 Fighting only lasted 3 weeks but 7,700

Egyptians, 7,700 Syrians, and 4,500 Egyptians, 7,700 Syrians, and 4,500 Israelis were killed or woundedIsraelis were killed or wounded

The United States sent massive The United States sent massive military aid to Israel (our longtime military aid to Israel (our longtime ally)ally)– The Arab OPEC nations responded by The Arab OPEC nations responded by

cutting off all oil sales to the U.S.cutting off all oil sales to the U.S. When OPEC resumed it’s sale of oil to When OPEC resumed it’s sale of oil to

the U.S. in 1974 the price had the U.S. in 1974 the price had quadrupled quadrupled

WatergateWatergate

WatergateWatergate At 2:30 a.m., on June 17, 1972 a At 2:30 a.m., on June 17, 1972 a

guard at the Watergate office & guard at the Watergate office & apartment complex caught 5 men apartment complex caught 5 men breaking into the DNC (Democratic breaking into the DNC (Democratic National Committee) headquarters. National Committee) headquarters. – The burglars had planned to photograph The burglars had planned to photograph

documents & wiretap phonesdocuments & wiretap phones The leader of this group was James The leader of this group was James

McCord a former CIA agent & head McCord a former CIA agent & head of security for the CRP (Committee of security for the CRP (Committee to Reelect the President)to Reelect the President)– Pres. Nixon’s former Attorney General Pres. Nixon’s former Attorney General

John Mitchell was the head of the CRPJohn Mitchell was the head of the CRP

James McCord

CRP Head John Mitchell

The Watergate Cover-upThe Watergate Cover-up Workers for the President’s Chief Workers for the President’s Chief

of Staff H.R. Haldeman began of Staff H.R. Haldeman began shredding documents with shredding documents with connection to the break inconnection to the break in

The White House asked the CIA to The White House asked the CIA to urge the FBI to stop it’s urge the FBI to stop it’s investigation of the break in in the investigation of the break in in the interest of national securityinterest of national security

The CRP paid nearly $450,000 to The CRP paid nearly $450,000 to the Watergate burglars to buy the Watergate burglars to buy their silencetheir silence– Despite all of these events the break Despite all of these events the break

in was of little interest to the in was of little interest to the American public during the 1972 American public during the 1972 Presidential campaignPresidential campaign

President Nixon wins reelection in President Nixon wins reelection in a landslide over George S. a landslide over George S. McGovernMcGovern

White House Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman

Dem. Presidential Candidate George S. McGovern

Woodward and Woodward and BernsteinBernstein

Despite the seeming insignificance Despite the seeming insignificance

of the break in two reporters from of the break in two reporters from the the Washington PostWashington Post; Bob ; Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein Woodward & Carl Bernstein continued to investigatecontinued to investigate– They would eventually write several They would eventually write several

articles that linked the break in to the articles that linked the break in to the White House AdministrationWhite House Administration

Bob Woodward Carl Bernstein

Woodward & Bernstein

WatergateWatergate On March 20, 1973 a few days before the On March 20, 1973 a few days before the

burglars were to be sentenced James burglars were to be sentenced James McCord wrote a letter to the Judge of the McCord wrote a letter to the Judge of the case John Sirica telling him that he lied case John Sirica telling him that he lied under oath and hinted that powerful under oath and hinted that powerful members of the Nixon administration had members of the Nixon administration had been involvedbeen involved

The Senate decided to investigate the The Senate decided to investigate the Watergate incident in 1973Watergate incident in 1973

In an attempt to distance himself from the In an attempt to distance himself from the incident President Nixon announced on incident President Nixon announced on April 30, 1973 the resignations of White April 30, 1973 the resignations of White House counsel John Dean, Haldeman, and House counsel John Dean, Haldeman, and Ehrlichman (President’s Domestic Advisor)Ehrlichman (President’s Domestic Advisor)– The President also announced that his new The President also announced that his new

Attorney General Elliot Richardson was to Attorney General Elliot Richardson was to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the break in break in

James McCord

President Nixon

John Ehrlichman

The Senate Investigation The Senate Investigation John Dean testified first and answered John Dean testified first and answered

Senator Howard Baker’s question Senator Howard Baker’s question ““What did the President know, & when What did the President know, & when did he know it?” did he know it?” by saying that by saying that President Nixon had been deeply President Nixon had been deeply involved in the cover-upinvolved in the cover-up– The White House denied these accusations The White House denied these accusations

& it became a “his word against mine” & it became a “his word against mine” situationsituation

In July presidential aide Alexander In July presidential aide Alexander Butterfield reveled to the committee Butterfield reveled to the committee that Pres. Nixon had taped virtually all that Pres. Nixon had taped virtually all of his Presidential conversations with a of his Presidential conversations with a taping system that was installed in the taping system that was installed in the White HouseWhite House

Sen. Howard Baker

White House AideAlexander Butterfield

Saturday Night Saturday Night MassacreMassacre

A year long battle for access to the President’s tapes A year long battle for access to the President’s tapes beganbegan

Archibald Cox the Special prosecutor finally took the Archibald Cox the Special prosecutor finally took the President to court in October of 1973 to obtain the President to court in October of 1973 to obtain the tapestapes– Nixon refused and ordered Attorney General Richardson Nixon refused and ordered Attorney General Richardson

to fire Coxto fire Cox Richardson refused to fire Cox & resignedRichardson refused to fire Cox & resigned The Deputy Attorney General also refused the The Deputy Attorney General also refused the

Presidential order & was firedPresidential order & was fired Solicitor General Robert Bork finally fired Cox but Solicitor General Robert Bork finally fired Cox but

Cox’s replacement Leon Jaworski was also determined Cox’s replacement Leon Jaworski was also determined to get access to the tapesto get access to the tapes

Just days before the Saturday night massacre Vice Just days before the Saturday night massacre Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned after it was learned President Spiro Agnew resigned after it was learned that he had accepted bribes when he was Governor of that he had accepted bribes when he was Governor of MarylandMaryland– President Nixon nominated House Minority Leader President Nixon nominated House Minority Leader

Gerald Ford as his vice-president & he was confirmed by Gerald Ford as his vice-president & he was confirmed by CongressCongress

Att. Gen. Richardson

Archibald Cox

Vice-Pres. AgnewVice-Pres. Ford

The Fall of a The Fall of a President President

In March of 1974 a grand jury indicted 7 presidential In March of 1974 a grand jury indicted 7 presidential aides on charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, aides on charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjuryand perjury

In the spring of 1974 President Nixon announced on In the spring of 1974 President Nixon announced on television that he was releasing 1,254 pages of edited television that he was releasing 1,254 pages of edited transcripts of White House conversations about transcripts of White House conversations about Watergate but still refused to release the unedited tapesWatergate but still refused to release the unedited tapes

The case then went to the Supreme CourtThe case then went to the Supreme Court On July 24, 1974 the Supreme Court ruled unanimously On July 24, 1974 the Supreme Court ruled unanimously

that the President must surrender the tapes despite his that the President must surrender the tapes despite his claims that doing so would violate national securityclaims that doing so would violate national security

WatergateWatergate

Nixon ResignsNixon Resigns Even without the tapes the Even without the tapes the

House Judiciary Committee House Judiciary Committee determined that there was determined that there was enough evidence to impeach enough evidence to impeach President NixonPresident Nixon– On July 27, 1974 they approved On July 27, 1974 they approved

three articles of impeachment; three articles of impeachment; charging Nixon with obstruction charging Nixon with obstruction of justice, abuse of power, of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congressand contempt of Congress

On August 5, 1974 Nixon release the tapes but they contained On August 5, 1974 Nixon release the tapes but they contained many gaps many gaps – One of 18 ½ minutes which was claimed to have been accidentally One of 18 ½ minutes which was claimed to have been accidentally

erased by Nixon’s secretary erased by Nixon’s secretary The tapes showed that Nixon was aware of the break ins & The tapes showed that Nixon was aware of the break ins &

tried to cover them uptried to cover them up On August 8On August 8thth of 1974 before the House could vote on of 1974 before the House could vote on

impeachment President Nixon announced his resignation but impeachment President Nixon announced his resignation but maintained his innocence maintained his innocence

Nixon ResignsNixon Resigns

Legacy of WatergateLegacy of Watergate Eventually 25 members of Nixon’s Eventually 25 members of Nixon’s

administration were convicted & served administration were convicted & served prison terms for Watergate prison terms for Watergate

Watergate along with Vietnam made the Watergate along with Vietnam made the American public very cynical about the American public very cynical about the Presidency as well as public officials that Presidency as well as public officials that endures to this dayendures to this day– Gone were the reverence for the President shown Gone were the reverence for the President shown

for FDR & JFKfor FDR & JFK

Ford Takes OverFord Takes Over

Ford Takes OverFord Takes Over His first act was grant His first act was grant

President Nixon a full pardonPresident Nixon a full pardon This prevented Nixon for any This prevented Nixon for any

criminal charges as well as criminal charges as well as preventing his impeachmentpreventing his impeachment– Ford claimed that he wanted to Ford claimed that he wanted to

put the issue behind the countryput the issue behind the country– President Ford declared that President Ford declared that

“Our long national nightmare is “Our long national nightmare is over”over”

– This act cost Ford much public This act cost Ford much public supportsupport

President Ford nominates President Ford nominates Nelson Rockefeller to fill the Nelson Rockefeller to fill the vacant Vice-Presidency in vacant Vice-Presidency in Dec. of 1974 Dec. of 1974 – He is confirmed by the SenateHe is confirmed by the Senate

President Ford signing the pardon of President Nixon

Ford Takes OverFord Takes Over

InflationInflation When President Ford takes over the country was When President Ford takes over the country was

in the early stages of a recessionin the early stages of a recession– Inflation & unemployment were on the riseInflation & unemployment were on the rise– The OPEC oil price increase pushed gasoline & heating The OPEC oil price increase pushed gasoline & heating

oil prices up & caused inflation to rise from 6 to 10%oil prices up & caused inflation to rise from 6 to 10% Pres. Ford tried to combat the growing inflation Pres. Ford tried to combat the growing inflation

by cutting government spending and raising by cutting government spending and raising interest rates this had the opposite effect interest rates this had the opposite effect however & the country slipped further into a however & the country slipped further into a recessionrecession– Ford also had to fight a Democratic controlled Ford also had to fight a Democratic controlled

congress & ended up vetoing over 50 pieces of congress & ended up vetoing over 50 pieces of legislationlegislation

Foreign PolicyForeign Policy Ford continued President Nixon’s foreign Ford continued President Nixon’s foreign

policy leaning on Secretary of State Henry policy leaning on Secretary of State Henry Kissinger Kissinger

Ford met with Soviet Premier Leonid Ford met with Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev in November of 1974Brezhnev in November of 1974

Later President Ford would travel to Later President Ford would travel to Helsinki, Finland to meet with 35 nations & Helsinki, Finland to meet with 35 nations & sign a series of agreements that promised sign a series of agreements that promised greater cooperation greater cooperation

between the nations of Eastern & between the nations of Eastern &

Western Europe Western Europe Helsinki Helsinki

AccordsAccords– This would be President Ford’s This would be President Ford’s

greatest accomplishmentgreatest accomplishment

Sec. of State Kissinger

President Ford with Soviet Premier Brezhnev

VietnamVietnam The 1973 cease-fire in Vietnam had broken The 1973 cease-fire in Vietnam had broken

down & heavy fighting had broken out again down & heavy fighting had broken out again after America had leftafter America had left

President Ford asked Congress for $722 million President Ford asked Congress for $722 million to help South Vietnam but Congress refused to help South Vietnam but Congress refused – Without America’s help South Vietnam surrendered to Without America’s help South Vietnam surrendered to

the North in 1975the North in 1975 Later that year Communist Cambodia siezed the Later that year Communist Cambodia siezed the

U.S. merchant ship U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez Mayaguez in the gulf of Siam in the gulf of Siam – Ford responded by sending a massive military force to Ford responded by sending a massive military force to

rescue the 39 crew members aboard the shiprescue the 39 crew members aboard the ship– 41 U.S. troops would die in the mission leading to 41 U.S. troops would die in the mission leading to

criticism of Pres. Fordcriticism of Pres. Ford

The Election of The Election of 19761976

Gerald Ford won the Republican nomination for Gerald Ford won the Republican nomination for President despite a challenge from Californian governor President despite a challenge from Californian governor Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan

The Democrats nominated former peanut farmer & The Democrats nominated former peanut farmer & Georgia Governor Jimmy CarterGeorgia Governor Jimmy Carter– Carter was an “outsider” & played on America’s growing Carter was an “outsider” & played on America’s growing

cynicism with Washington politics (Vietnam, Watergate, etc…)cynicism with Washington politics (Vietnam, Watergate, etc…)– Carter promised to bring integrity back to Washington & won in Carter promised to bring integrity back to Washington & won in

a very close election 40.8 million to 39.1 milliona very close election 40.8 million to 39.1 million President Carter’s outsider role alienated himself from President Carter’s outsider role alienated himself from

both parties in Congress & made it very difficult for him both parties in Congress & made it very difficult for him as President as President

Vs.

The Energy CrisisThe Energy Crisis

President Carter believed that America’s reliance President Carter believed that America’s reliance

on foreign oil was the primary reason behind our on foreign oil was the primary reason behind our energy crisis energy crisis – He presented Congress with more than 100 proposals on He presented Congress with more than 100 proposals on

Energy conservation & developmentEnergy conservation & development– These proposals were fought fiercely by Representatives from These proposals were fought fiercely by Representatives from

oil & gas producing statesoil & gas producing states– Automobile manufacturers also lobbied against the gas Automobile manufacturers also lobbied against the gas

rationing proposalsrationing proposals National Energy Act was passed in 1977National Energy Act was passed in 1977

– This act placed a tax on gas guzzling carsThis act placed a tax on gas guzzling cars– Removed price controls on oil & natural gas produced in the Removed price controls on oil & natural gas produced in the

U.S.U.S.– Extended tax credits for the development of alternative energyExtended tax credits for the development of alternative energy

The Energy CrisisThe Energy Crisis In the summer of 1979 violence in the In the summer of 1979 violence in the

Middle East caused another fuel shortage Middle East caused another fuel shortage in the U.S. and OPEC announced another in the U.S. and OPEC announced another price hike in that same yearprice hike in that same year– Inflation rose from 7.6% to 11.3%Inflation rose from 7.6% to 11.3%

President Carter attempted a wide array President Carter attempted a wide array of measures to combat inflation but he of measures to combat inflation but he seemed to have no direction with his seemed to have no direction with his policiespolicies

Inflation continued to rise to 14% by 1980 Inflation continued to rise to 14% by 1980

The Changing American The Changing American EconomyEconomy

The U.S. economy was evolving in The U.S. economy was evolving in the 1970’sthe 1970’s– Manufacturing jobs (steel, automobiles, Manufacturing jobs (steel, automobiles,

iron, rubber, clothing, etc…) were iron, rubber, clothing, etc…) were being downsized in the U.S. because of being downsized in the U.S. because of booming foreign markets booming foreign markets New booming economies in West Germany, New booming economies in West Germany,

Japan, Taiwan, & KoreaJapan, Taiwan, & Korea Markets that could pay there workers far Markets that could pay there workers far

less than U.S. manufacturersless than U.S. manufacturers

– Service jobs were dominating the U.S. Service jobs were dominating the U.S. economy (communications, economy (communications, transportation, retail)transportation, retail) Many U.S. workers in the 1970s didn’t have Many U.S. workers in the 1970s didn’t have

the education needed for these new jobs the education needed for these new jobs when they were laid off from the factory when they were laid off from the factory (manufacturing) jobs(manufacturing) jobs

Man.Serv.

Man.Serv.

Man.Serv.

1950

1980

2000

74%

53%

34%

26%

47%

66%

The Carter PresidencyThe Carter Presidency President Carter appointed more African-Americans,President Carter appointed more African-Americans,

Women, & other minorities to high positions than Women, & other minorities to high positions than any other Presidentany other President

Carter used the idea of Human Rights as the Carter used the idea of Human Rights as the foundation for his foreign policyfoundation for his foreign policy– Carter cut off military aid to countries such as Argentina & Carter cut off military aid to countries such as Argentina &

Brazil who had been allies b/c they imprisoned & tortured Brazil who had been allies b/c they imprisoned & tortured thousands of their own citizensthousands of their own citizens

Pres. Carter took much heat when he announced that Pres. Carter took much heat when he announced that the U.S. had reached an agreement with Panama to the U.S. had reached an agreement with Panama to relinquish control of the Panama Canal relinquish control of the Panama Canal – The date set was Dec. 31, 1999The date set was Dec. 31, 1999– The Senate ratified this treaty by the slim margin of 68-32The Senate ratified this treaty by the slim margin of 68-32

Because of his stand on human rights the détente Because of his stand on human rights the détente (relaxed tension) between the U.S. & the communist (relaxed tension) between the U.S. & the communist countries of China & the U.S.S.R. began to dissolve countries of China & the U.S.S.R. began to dissolve – A second round of A second round of SStrategic trategic AArms rms LLimitations imitations TTreaties (SALT reaties (SALT

II) were eventually signed but not ratified in the U.S.II) were eventually signed but not ratified in the U.S.

The Camp David AccordsThe Camp David Accords The crowning achievement of President The crowning achievement of President

Carter’s foreign policy was the Camp David Carter’s foreign policy was the Camp David AccordsAccords– In 1978 after peace talks had broken down In 1978 after peace talks had broken down

between long time enemies Egypt & Israel, between long time enemies Egypt & Israel, President Carter invited Egyptian President President Carter invited Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat & Israeli Prime Minister Anwar el-Sadat & Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to the Presidential retreat in Menachem Begin to the Presidential retreat in Maryland (Camp David)Maryland (Camp David)

After 12 days of intense negotiations the After 12 days of intense negotiations the three leaders signed a peace agreementthree leaders signed a peace agreement– Israel agreed to withdraw from the Sinai Israel agreed to withdraw from the Sinai

PeninsulaPeninsula It had seized this territory in a 6 Day war in 1967It had seized this territory in a 6 Day war in 1967

– Egypt formally recognized Israel’s right to existEgypt formally recognized Israel’s right to exist Anwar el-Sadat would be seen as a traitor Anwar el-Sadat would be seen as a traitor

in Egypt despite winning the Nobel Peace in Egypt despite winning the Nobel Peace prize (along with Benin) & was prize (along with Benin) & was assassinated in 1981assassinated in 1981

(L to R): el-Sadat, Carter, Benin

Iran Hostage CrisisIran Hostage Crisis In 1979 the Muslim religious leader In 1979 the Muslim religious leader

Ayatollah Khomeini led rebels in over-Ayatollah Khomeini led rebels in over-throwing the Iranian shah & establishing throwing the Iranian shah & establishing a religious state a religious state – The United States was an ally of the shah and in The United States was an ally of the shah and in

October of 1979 nine months after he had fled October of 1979 nine months after he had fled from power the U.S. allowed the shah to enter the from power the U.S. allowed the shah to enter the U.S. for cancer treatmentU.S. for cancer treatment

– This infuriated the IraniansThis infuriated the Iranians On Nov. 4, 1979 students seized the U.S. On Nov. 4, 1979 students seized the U.S.

embassy in Tehran & took the 52 Americans embassy in Tehran & took the 52 Americans hostagehostage– They demanded that the U.S. send the shah back They demanded that the U.S. send the shah back

to Iran in exchange for the hostagesto Iran in exchange for the hostages

Ayatollah Khomeini

Iran Hostage CrisisIran Hostage Crisis President Carter refused to give President Carter refused to give

in to terrorist demands & turn in to terrorist demands & turn over the shah over the shah – A year long stand-off ensuedA year long stand-off ensued

The U.S. continued intense The U.S. continued intense negotiations to free the hostagesnegotiations to free the hostages

After 444 days the hostages were After 444 days the hostages were released on January 20, 1981 released on January 20, 1981 shortly after the new President shortly after the new President Ronald Reagan took officeRonald Reagan took office

Iranians showing one of the hostages

Ayatollah Khomeini

The Carter PresidencyThe Carter Presidency

Environmentalism Environmentalism Author Rachel Carson a marine biologist published a Author Rachel Carson a marine biologist published a

book in 1962 entitled book in 1962 entitled Silent SpringSilent Spring– This book warned against the growing use of pesticides This book warned against the growing use of pesticides – This book became a wake up call to many Americans of the This book became a wake up call to many Americans of the

dangers of pollution & over consumption to the environment dangers of pollution & over consumption to the environment President Nixon responding to increase pressure President Nixon responding to increase pressure

consolidated 15 federal pollution programs into one consolidated 15 federal pollution programs into one agency the agency the EPA EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)(Environmental Protection Agency)

Oil was found in Alaska in 1968 & soon raised Oil was found in Alaska in 1968 & soon raised concerns of many people about the effects the oil concerns of many people about the effects the oil industry would have on the native wildlife & industry would have on the native wildlife & ecosystem ecosystem – President Nixon turned over millions of acres of Alaskan President Nixon turned over millions of acres of Alaskan

territory to the native peoples for conservation territory to the native peoples for conservation – Congress & later Presidents would turn over millions of Congress & later Presidents would turn over millions of

more acres for protected areas (Alaskan Wildlife refuge & more acres for protected areas (Alaskan Wildlife refuge & National Monument)National Monument)

Three Three Mile Mile

IslandIsland As America’s dependence on foreign oil became well-known many As America’s dependence on foreign oil became well-known many

people in the 1970’s began to promote nuclear power as the people in the 1970’s began to promote nuclear power as the alternativealternative– Many opponents of nuclear power pointed out the dangerous effects to Many opponents of nuclear power pointed out the dangerous effects to

humans & the environment that nuclear waste hadhumans & the environment that nuclear waste had These concerns were validated when on March 28, 1979 one of the These concerns were validated when on March 28, 1979 one of the

nuclear reactors at a plant on Three Mile Island near Harrisburg, nuclear reactors at a plant on Three Mile Island near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania malfunctionedPennsylvania malfunctioned– The cooling system failed to work & the reactor overheated The cooling system failed to work & the reactor overheated – People feared that radiation would spread all over the regionPeople feared that radiation would spread all over the region

Low-level radiation did end up escaping & over 100,000 residents of Low-level radiation did end up escaping & over 100,000 residents of the area had to be evacuatedthe area had to be evacuated

On April 9On April 9thth the danger was over & people could return to their homes the danger was over & people could return to their homes– No one was seriously injured because of the incident but it had profound No one was seriously injured because of the incident but it had profound

effect on peoples views towards nuclear powereffect on peoples views towards nuclear power Construction of new power plants were halted & many existing plants Construction of new power plants were halted & many existing plants

were gradually shut downwere gradually shut down