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Domestic Crises of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Kennedy through Nixon. Election of 1960. Southern vote crucial—Kennedy carries 8 southern states (see text—1023) Traditional strong holds emerging for respective parties. New Frontier. Tax cuts—1963 Manpower Development and Training Act
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Domestic Crises of the 1960’s and 1970’s Kennedy through Nixon
Election of 1960 • Southern vote crucial—Kennedy carries 8 southern states (see text—1023) • Traditional strong holds emerging for respective parties.
New Frontier • Tax cuts—1963 • Manpower Development and Training Act • Area Redevelopment Act • An unfinished agenda in poverty and Civil Rights
Assassination • 11.22.63 • Theories? • Warren commission
Two primary goals of the Great Society • "end poverty and racial injustice." • Johnson’s “true” legacy.
"unconditional war on poverty" • Johnson as a former teacher had seen the attack of poverty on students and children, he was determined to address that problem. • The War on Poverty began with a $1 billion appropriation in 1964 and spent another $2 billion in the following two years. • Success: 1029
Tremendous Success: Legislation • The Johnson administration submitted eighty-seven bills to Congress, and Johnson signed eighty-four, or 96%, arguably the most successful legislative agenda in American history. • Success measured in volume*
Civil Rights Act of 1964 • The "Jim Crow" laws in the South were abolished, and it became illegal to compel segregation of the races in schools, housing, or hiring.
Limits of the Great Society • Incredible program, but success? • Poverty dropped (see chart) from 20-13%, but it had little to do with the Great Society. Rather realted to buildup of Vietnam. • Spending limited to 2 billion per year, not enough to achieve such success. • Vietnam War: 22 Billion in 1966, compared to 1.2 Billion for the war on Poverty.
Heart of Atlanta Motel Decision • Congress intervenes to stop discrimination in situations where “interstate” commerce can be used to enforce equality.
Liberal Revolution in the Courts • Writ of Certiatoriand the power to legislate from the bench? • Earl Warren Court
Nixon and Watergate Anatomy of a scandal.
“King Richard” Views on Power Previous elections Why?
Pentagon Papers controversy • Nixon begins denials “I can say categorically that no one on the White staff, no one in this administration was involved in this very bizarre incident” • Watergate burglars plead guilty • Plumbers crack…
It was learned that • FBI destroyed documents in the case • White house knew of sums paid to the burglars • Agents of Nixon had burglarized Ellsberg’s psychiatrist • Creep disrupted campaign of 1972 • Nixon used wiretaps extensively and illegaly
The Aftermath • Nixon tried to cover all of this up and lied about it. • Nixon denied evidence • Special prosecutors and grand jury • Nixon fires the prosecutors that were hired to look into Watergate accusations. • “I am not a crook” • Revealing tapes • Nixon resigns
August 8, 1974: Richard Nixon becomes the first U.S. president to resign. Vice President Gerald R. Ford assumes the country's highest office. He will later pardon Nixon of all charges related to the Watergate case.
