Nixon to the Present Nixon Concerns l

Nixon to the Present

Nixon Concerns l l l Nixon had to deal with a troubled economy. Rising inflation and unemployment was known as stagflation. Gas pumps ran dry as a result of the OPEC oil embargo. This happened because Israel and Syria went to war and we supported Israel, so the Arab countries cut off all oil to the U. S.

Nixon’s Foreign Policy l l l Called for a policy of détente-easing Cold War tensions. Visits China, began good relations with this communist country. SALT I Treaty- Limit ballistic missiles agreement with the Soviets.

Watergate l l l Scandal centered on Nixon’s administration’s attempt to cover up burglary at the opposing party’s headquarters. Senate investigates. Nixon will not give up tapes that could be evidence against him.

Effects of Watergate l l l Nixon resigns. American people lost faith in the office of the president. During the rest of the 1970’s Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford had to focus their attention the worsening economic conditions.

Carter Administration l l Had to confront energy crisis. National Energy Act: taxed placed on gas guzzling cars. Committed to Human Rights. Camp David Accords: Agreement of five year transition during Israel and Jordan work out the issue of self-rule of Palestinians living on the West Bank.

Camp David Accords

Iran Hostage Crisis l l l 52 Americans were taken hostage in Iran. Carter banned all trade with Iran. Hostages were released after 444 days.

Conservative Years l l l Ronald Regan defeated Jimmy Carter in 1980 due to economic recession. (1970’s rise in inflation and unemployment) Reganomics: Plan of large tax cuts. American economy was revived. Americans saw Reagan as a hero.

Conservative 80’s l l l Moral Majority: Consisted of evangelical Christians who interpreted the Bible literally and condemned liberal attitudes, they gained power during this period. 1984: Reagan easily defeated Walter Mondale, Mondale’s running mate Geraldine Ferraro (first female on major party’s ticket). 1988: George Bush easily defeated Michael Dukakis. Conservative coalition wanted to deregulate the economy, limits to federal power, agreed that the Democratic party had drifted too far left.

George Herbert Walker Bush

Judicial Power Shifts Right l l Reagan nominated Sandra Day O’Connor, Anthony Scalia, and Anthony M. Kennedy and William Rehnquist. Bush would nominate David Souter and Clarence Thomas had a scandal dealing with sexual harassment, widely televised event. He still was approved to court 52 -48, all male Senate Judiciary Committee investigation.

Cold War Ends l l Soviet Disunion Yeltsin becomes president of Russia. Germany reunites. Soviet Block countries adopt democratic governments.

Persian Gulf War l l l Iraq invades Kuwait, headed towards the Arab countries that supply the U. S. with oil. Successful air assault against Iraq. Launched successful ground offensive. Cease fire Feb. 28, 1991 Around 100 casualties in the War. Bush would lose popularity due to a recession, and in 1992 Bill Clinton is elected President.

Clinton Legacy l l l Health Care Reform Relations with Cold War foes. Troops in Somalia, Bosnia. Clinton impeached, due to sex scandal. Found not guilty. Tainted politics. Al Gore loses to George W. Bush in 2000 election. Very close election, did not know the results until late December. Florida’s electoral votes decided the election. Gore had more popular votes, Bush more electoral votes.

New Millennium l l l G. W. Had to deal with declining economy. September 11, 2001, Terrorists attacked the world trade center, and attacked the pentagon. The U. S. was devastated and thousands of lives were lost. U. S. Entered Afghanistan to find and wipe out the Al Qaeda network. U. S. invaded Iraq March 2003, we captured Saddam Hussein in December of 2003. Democratic elections held in Afghanistan and Iraq. We still occupy Iraq, with the idea that Iraq will begin to police their own country and we will leave.

Country Divided l l l Election 2004 Democrat, John Kerry lost to incumbent, G. W. Bush, close election. Congress almost evenly divided, but Republicans controlling both houses. Citizens equally divided on politics. Big issues: health care reform, war in Iraq, saving social security. Pendulum in balancing in favor of a conservative America.

Challenges still to come l l 2008 signs of a deepening recession. Congress signs bailout package for banks. 2008, Barack Obama defeats John Mc. Cain in presidential election, also Democrats take control of the House and Senate. He is the first black president to be elected. Signs that the country is leaning towards the liberal left. 2009, Congress passes, president signs largest stimulus bill in history to help the economy get moving. It is a debatable package, waiting to see results.

What the future holds… l l l Still terrorist attacks in various countries Genocide in Sudan We have increased troops in Afghanistan, as the Taliban has increased in power once again. Working on Greener Technology and Energy Efficiency Pirates? What’s that all about Mexican drug cartels killing Americans and kidnapping them on our side of the border.

Recession Cartoon