Disillusionment with the Government

1. Anti-establishment, man! Disillusionment with the Government

2. Redefining Foreign Policy • Nixon and Kissinger back off on the Cold War • Realizing that most communist countries act independently • There was no giant communist scheme to take over the world • Treated foreign policy with practicality, instead of dealing in political absolutes

3. China • Nixon recognized that establishing diplomatic relations with communist China would benefit the U.S. both politically and economically • Especially since China and the USSR were increasingly competitive with each other • Dealing with China, might make working with N. Vietnam easier • 1979- U.S. and China established full diplomatic relations

4. Détente with USSR • Fearing isolation, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev invites Nixon to Russia in 1972 • High point of meeting was the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty • Didn’t end the arms race, but was a step towards that goal • Détente- policy aimed at easing Cold War tensions

5. Nixon’s “New Federalism” • Aimed at the middle classes • Still addressing societal ills (like poverty, pollution) • Less focus on the big industries and corporations • However, he also expanded the governments role • OSHA, DEA, EPA

6. Economy • Recession • Inflation • 1973 OPEC- placed an embargo on Israel’s allies • Oil prices shoot up • America relied on imports for 1/3 of the energy

7. Overall • Nixon starts off on the right track… • But: • Vietnam war struggles • Watergate Scandal (dun dun duh!)