Exploring American History Unit X – Modern America

1. This presentation will probably involve audience discussion, which will create action items. Use PowerPoint to keep track of these action items during your presentation • In Slide Show, click on the right mouse button • Select “Meeting Minder” • Select the “Action Items” tab • Type in action items as they come up • Click OK to dismiss this box • This will automatically create an Action Item slide at the end of your presentation with your points entered. Exploring American HistoryUnit X – Modern America Chapter 30– Searching for Order Section 1 – Nixon’s Presidency and Watergate

2. Nixon’s Presidency and Watergate • The Big Idea • Richard Nixon’s policies helped ease Cold War tensions before the Watergate scandal brought down his presidency. • Main Ideas • Americans faced domestic challenges, including an energy and economic crisis. • Nixon’s foreign policy led to improved relations with Communist powers. • The Watergate scandal forced Nixon to resign. • Gerald Ford became president upon Nixon’s resignation and faced many challenges.

3. Main Idea 1: Americans faced domestic challenges, including an energy and economic crisis. • President Nixon promised to work on behalf of Americans who supported the war. • Called them the “Silent Majority” • Criticized student protesters • Did not believe Americans should leave Vietnam quickly • New Federalism was Nixon’s new plan for government. • Limit power of federal government • Reflected Nixon’s conservatism, or a desire to limit the involvement of government in citizens’ lives • Promised to reduce welfare spending and restore law and order • Opposed new civil rights legislation

5. Economic Troubles • America was experiencing stagflation– the economic condition of combined stagnant growth and high inflation. • Rising prices reduced purchasing power of the U.S. dollar by more than 30 percent. • Rising oil costs contributed to inflation. • United States imported almost one-third of its oil from Middle Eastern countries that belonged to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC. • OPEC worked to control production and keep oil prices high. • When the United States helped Israel in the Yom Kippur War, OPEC declared an embargo, or ban, on oil sales to the United States. • Oil and gas prices soared. • Energy crises worsened an already weak economy.

6. Trouble in the Middle East • 1967 Six-Day War • resulted in Israel occupying territory that had belonged to the nations of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan • The United Nations passed a resolution that called for Israel to withdraw from these lands and for the Arab states to recognize Israel’s right to exist • 1973 Yom Kippur War • Egypt and Syria attacked Israel, and the fighting affected the United States. • Threat of Soviet involvement could turn conflict into a superpower confrontation • Imposition of an oil embargo

7. Kissinger & the Middle East (02:22)

8. War in the Middle East

9. War in the Middle East Yom Kippur War- Oct. 6, 1973- lasted three weeks. Holiest day of the Jewish year. Egypt and Syria launched a coordinated surprise assault against Israel, with the Egyptian army crossing the Suez Canal and Syrian troops penetrating the Golan Heights. The goal was to win back territory lost to the Israelis in 1947 and 1956 During the next three weeks, the Israel Defense Forces turned the tide of battle and repulsed the attackers, crossing the Suez Canal into Egypt and advancing to within 20 miles (32 km.) of the Syrian capital, Damascus. Oct. 12, 1973- Nixon gives aid to Israelis to fight the war. Helicopters, howitzers, and tanks. Arabs got supplies from Russia. The total cost off the war was estimated to US$7 billion on both Israeli and Egyptian side, but much of the operations on Arab side were financed by Saudi Arabia.

11. Oil Embargo Several Arab nations imposed an oil embargo in reaction to the Yom Kippur War. They agreed not to ship oil to the United States and certain other countries who supported Israel. The Arab countries were a part of OPEC (the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries). The United States was dependent on foreign sources for one third of its oil needs. The embargo caused serious problems throughout the U.S. economy. Shuttle Diplomacy Henry Kissinger tried to solve the crisis in the Middle East. He was unable to get all the parties to meet together to talk about solutions. Started what came to be called shuttle diplomacy Kissinger traveled—shuttled—from group to group trying to work out separate agreements. Eventually the fighting ended and the oil embargo was lifted. Trouble in the Middle East

13. Arab Oil Embargo- 1973-1974 • OPEC- Organization of Oil Exporting Countries (Many Arab nations) • OPEC- declares all oil exports suspended to all nations considered to have helped Israel in the 1973 October war. • The Arab oil embargo soon causes major shortages in the U.S. and Britain and gas rationing produces many long car jams at filling stations. • Saudi Arabia advocated only moderate price hikes but in the meantime the cost of crude oil rose 400% in the next year. • The immediate results of the Oil Crisis were dramatic. Prices of gasoline quadrupled, rising from just 25 cents to over a dollar in just a few months

14. Middle East 1975 • UN authorized cease fire resolution. • Kissinger- Shuttle diplomacy- shuttling between the two sides to enable them to communicate and reach an agreement. • Egypt and Israel renounced force to settle disputes. They both moved back and created a large buffer zone. • U.S. troops stationed in zone to monitor movement.

15. Main Idea 2:Nixon’s foreign policy led to improved relations with Communist powers. • Nixon took a realpolitik approach to foreign policy. • Foreign policy decisions would be based on practical American interests, not on moral or political ideals. • Helped bring an end to Vietnam War • Approach was controversial. • The United States backed harsh military governments in Latin America because they were friendly to the United States. • Nixon worked to widen the split between Soviet Union and China and also to improve U.S. relations with both Communist powers.

16. Soviet Union and China China • In 1972 Nixon visited China. • Met Chinese leader Mao Zedong • Improved U.S.-China relations Soviet Union • In May 1972 Nixon flew to Moscow and participated in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. • Talks led to a treaty limiting each country’s nuclear weapons. • Opened a period of détente, or less hostile relations, between the United States and the Soviet Union • Soviets began buying grain from American farmers.

17. Nixon visits China

18. Nixon visits China- Feb. 21, 1972 China was a world leader For 22 years the U.S. did not recognize China Nixon would support China’s entry into U.N. Ping Pong Diplomacy- Nixon to be first U.S. President to visit China Détente- bring normal relation between two countries. Nixon signs the Shanghai Joint Communique declaring that there is but one China and that Taiwan is part of China.

19. Nixon Reaches Out (03:42)

20. The Soviet Union In 1969 Nixon began talks with the Soviet Union in order to slow the arms race. Known as the Strategic Arms Limitations Talks (SALT) Both nations had increased their number of weapons and made innovations in weapons technology (Ex. antiballistic missiles, or ABMs). In 1972 Nixon and Leonid Brezhnev agreed to an ABM treaty. Following this round of talks (now called SALT I), negotiations began on a second round of discussions. China Nixon wanted to improve relations with the Communist People’s Republic of China. Believed that friendlier relations with China would force a more cooperative relationship with the Soviet Union (China’s rival). His efforts were done secretly Nixon surprised Americans by visiting China in 1972 where he met with Chinese leaders and Mao Zedong. They agreed to disagree about Taiwan. Nixon’s Foreign Policies

21. Nixon Visits U.S.S.R.

22. Nixon Visits U.S.S.R. China and U.S.S.R. are bitter rivals. U.S. needs to balance its relationship with the two. Nixon goes to Russia for summit meeting with Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev. Agreements on space, health and science SALT- Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty- may 26, 1972 to slow down the dangerous and expensive nuclear arms race. Détente- successful in easing tensions and reducing risks of war with Communist powers.

23. Main Idea 3:The Watergate scandal forced Nixon to resign. • On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested while breaking into the Democratic National Committee’s offices at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. • Burglars carried camera and recording equipment. • Police discovered link between burglars and Nixon administration. • Nixon denied involvement in the break-in. • Went on to landslide victory in the 1972 election • The break-in then exploded into a massive political scandal that became known as Watergate.

25. The Watergate Scandal • Investigation • Reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein investigated, found a secret contact, and learned of illegal activities by Nixon administration officials. • Senate committee also investigated and learned that Nixon made recordings of Oval Office conversations. • Nixon was compelled to turn over the tapes after a ruling by the Supreme Court. • Recordings proved Nixon had directed the Watergate cover-up and lied about it. • Nixon’s Resignation • House Judiciary Committee recommended impeachment and began the process on July 27, 1974. • On August 8, 1974, Nixon appeared on national television and announced resignation. • Gerald Ford was sworn in as president on August 9, 1974. • Many Americans lost faith in government officials.

26. Watergate (07:06)

27. Main events in the presidential election of 1972 • Nixon was concerned about winning the 1972 presidential election and was not above using illegal actions to help ensure his re-election. • During his first term, Nixon advisors created a group that came to be known as the “Plumbers.” • Their job was to respond to “leaks” of secret information and to investigate Nixon’s political enemies. • In 1971 the Plumbers tried to damage the reputation of Daniel Ellsberg—the man who had leaked the Pentagon Papers—by breaking into Ellsberg’s psychiatrist’s office and looking for information on Ellsberg. • In early 1972 the Plumbers decided to break into the offices of the Democratic National Committee at the Watergate hotel to collect information about the Democratic strategy for the 1972 election.

28. Watergate On June 17, 1972, police arrested five men who had broken into the offices of the Democratic National Committee. Although the break-in barely made the news when it happened, it quickly became clear that the men had connections to the president. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of the Washington Post refused to let the story die and continued to investigate the break-in. The Post reported that the break-in was part of a widespread spying effort by the Nixon campaign, but this did not seem to affect voters. On election day Nixon won one of the most overwhelming victories in U.S. history.

31. After the Election Several men associated with the break-in were officials who worked for the White House or Nixon’s re-election team. People wondered if Nixon knew about the wrongdoing and if he helped to cover it up. Nixon ordered an investigation into the Watergate scandal Several men resigned from their White House jobs as a result of the investigation and the Republicans were satisfied. Still Democrats demanded an independent investigator—Archibald Cox. The Senate Investigation The Senate committee began its own investigation to find out what the president knew and when did he know it. Former attorney general John Dean reported that he had talked with Nixon about Watergate and its cover-up many times. The bombshell came when a former presidential aide named Alexander Butterfield said that Nixon had tape-recorded all conversations in his office since 1971. Nixon did not want to give up the tapes. How did the Watergate scandal unfold?

33. The Secret Tapes and Nixon's Resignation (03:43)

34. The Saturday Night Massacre • Nixon argued that executive privilege gave him the right to withhold the tapes. • Investigators rejected Nixon’s claim of executive privilege and Special Prosecutor Cox and the Senate Watergate committee issued subpoenas demanding the tapes. • In response, Nixon executed the so-called Saturday night massacre. • Nixon directed attorney general Elliot Richardson to fire Cox. He refused and quit. • Nixon then ordered Richardson’s assistant to fire Cox. He refused and resigned. • Finally, the third-ranking official in the Justice Department fired Cox. • The president’s actions shocked the public.

36. The Crisis Continues Nixon continued to deny his involvement in the break-in or a cover-up. Public confidence in Nixon was very low. The White House revealed that an 18-minute portion of the tape had been erased. There were calls for impeachment. Nixon released some transcripts of the tapes in the spring of 1974. Nixon Resigns The Supreme Court ruled that Nixon must hand over the tapes. At the same time, the House Judiciary Committee voted to recommend impeachment. On August 8, 1974, Nixon resigned the presidency. He must have known that the tapes would reveal clear evidence of his wrongdoings. The Watergate Scandal

38. Nixon And Ford (01:26)

39. Main Idea 4:Gerald Ford became president upon Nixon’s resignation and faced many challenges. • Vice President Gerald Ford became president when Nixon resigned. • First modern president to hold the office without being elected to it • Lost some public support when he granted Nixon a pardon, or freedom from punishment • Ford began a campaign called Whip Inflation Now (WIN). • Encouraged people to save money and businesses to hold down wages and prices • Met with resistance in Congress • In 1975, Ford and Congress began to compromise on WIN, but inflation and unemployment remained high.

40. Gerald Ford • Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned after being charged with cheating on his taxes and taking payments in return for political favors. • Nixon choose Gerald R. Ford to replace Agnew. • Ford was the Republican leader in the House of Representatives. • When Nixon resigned, Ford became president. • He was the first person ever to become president without having been elected either president or vice-president.

41. President Gerald R. Ford • 38th President - 1974-1977 - Republican - "Ford, not a Lincoln". • Who was he + how did he become president? • Nelson Rockefeller- Vice President • Nixon Pardon • Clemency Program for Vietnam deserters and draft evaders. • Control of the FBI and the CIA • Freedom of Information and Privacy Act 1974 • Federal Campaign-funding Reform Act 1974 • War Powers Act 1973 • Budget and Impoundment Act 1974 • 1973 inflation- increased from 8.5% to 12 % • Oil Price- major factor in inflation. • Yom Kippur War • Libya and O.P.E.C.

42. Gerald Ford’s Presidency Ford Pardons Nixon • President Ford granted a full pardon to Richard Nixon for any crime he may have committed. • Ford tried to cut government spending to curb inflation but the Democratic Congress passed many spending bills against his wishes. • In foreign affairs, Ford continued the policy of détente and kept Kissinger as secretary of state. • Congress refused to allow Ford to take part in Vietnam or Cuba, but he did recover the cargo ship—the Mayaguez—from the Cambodian navy. Ford as President • Ford won his party’s nomination after a close struggle with former California governor Ronald Reagan. Election Challenge

43. Helsinki Agreements - 1975 • Each nation agrees not to intervene in the affairs of the other nations. • Each nation agree to refrain from aiding terrorist activities, or to subversive actions designed to overthrow the governement of another participating State • Participating state also agreed- to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms- including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. (However the USSR did not share this democratic belief) • States agreed to respect equal rights and self-determination of peoples.

44. The Pardon (05:03)

45. Election of 1976 • Election of 1976 • Candidates: • Republican- Ford • Democrat- Jimmy Carter • Issues • Inflation • Cut in gov’t spending • unemployment • energy problem • honesty in government • Problems in Campaign • Nixon pardon • Carter-Ford Debates • Outcome- Carter wins close one. • 50% of popular vote to 48% • 297 electoral votes to 240 • only 53% of votes bothered to vote