The Nixon, Ford, and Carter Years

An Exam Primer

1969 - 1974 1974 - 1977 1977 - 1981

I. Richard Nixon (Since the 1960s Test)A. Watergate

1. Why did the “plumbers” arrange the Watergate burglary (what was their specific goal)?

- To wiretap the Democratic National Committee’s phones.

2. In 1973 OPEC put an embargo on oil to the U.S. What was the result?

- High inflation and a recession – “STAGFLATION”

3. What was Nixon’s biggest foreign policy success?

- Establishing diplomatic relations with Communist China.

4. The War Powers Act of 1973?- Required the President to get

Congressional approval for the use of troops after 90 days.

II. Gerald FordA. Pardoned Nixon for any Watergate-related crimes.- He wanted to “begin the healing,” but many Americans were upset – most controversial act of his presidency.

B. Implemented the WIN campaign (Whip Inflation Now) to combat high inflation.

III. Jimmy CarterA. Gained support in 1976 by emphasizing honest government.

B. Emphasis in foreign affairs was on human rights around the world.

C. Greatest foreign policy achievement?- The Camp David Accords

D. Nov. 4th 1979: armed students stormed the US Embassy in Iran and captured 52 hostages because we let the Shah into the US for medical treatment. The hostages were held for 444 days, until Ronald Reagan’s inauguration.

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