Democratic nominee for 1972 election, from South Dakota.
Seen as radical, viewed as too supportive of women and militant Blacks, labeled a hippie.
Faced an unsuccessful campaign due to lack of funds.
Watergate Scandal and Aftermath
Watergate Tapes: Evidence of Nixon's involvement, initially withheld but ultimately turned over by Supreme Court order.
Key Figures: H.R. Haldeman, John D. Erlichman, John W. Dean, and John Mitchel were involved; Mitchel was Attorney General.
Impeachment Proceedings: Led by a special committee, impeachment talks began. The House Judiciary Committee recommended three articles of impeachment against Nixon, who resigned on August 9.
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT)
SALT I Agreement (1972): Limited Anti-Ballistic Missiles, signed in Moscow.
SALT II: Aimed to cut back U.S. and U.S.S.R. weaponry, set limits on weapons; not passed due to U.S.S.R.'s invasion of Afghanistan.
Foreign Relations and Policies
Detente: Sought to reduce U.S.-Soviet tensions, included missile disarmament and trade relations; public disapproval.
Nixon's China Visit (1972): Improved relations, known as "ping-pong diplomacy," resulted in U.N. support for China.
Recognition of China: Acknowledged People's Republic of China, surprising due to past conflicts.
Legislation and Amendments
War Powers Act (1973)
Limited Presidential power to engage in war for 90 days without Congressional approval.
Twenty-Sixth Amendment (1971)
Lowered voting age to 18.
Conflicts and Wars
Middle East Wars
Six Day War (1967): Israel's preemptive strikes against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.
Yom Kippur War (1973): Egypt and Syria's surprise attack on Israel; Israel's decisive victory.
U.S. Economic and Social Policies
"Stagflation"
1960s-70s economic condition with high inflation and unemployment.
Oil and Energy
Arab Oil Embargo (1973): OPEC's response to U.S. support of Israel, led to U.S. oil crisis.
Alaska Pipeline (1975): Built to transport oil from Alaska to continental U.S.
Domestic Movements
Civil Rights and Advocacy
Cesar Chavez: Led United Farm Workers, organized labor strikes.
American Indian Movement (AIM): Advocated for Indian rights, involved in Wounded Knee confrontation.
Presidential Actions and Decisions
Gerald R. Ford
Became President after Nixon's resignation, notable for pardoning Nixon.
Jimmy Carter
President from 1977, emphasized human rights, energy conservation, and Middle East peace.
Amnesty for Draft Dodgers: Pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders.
Ronald Reagan
Introduced "Reaganomics" - aimed to spur economic growth through tax cuts and "trickle-down" theory.
International Relations
Middle East Peace
Camp David Accords: Egyptian-Israeli peace talks.
Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty: Land return in exchange for recognition.
Soviet Union Relations
Invasion of Afghanistan (1979): Soviet support led to U.S. Olympic boycott.
Iranian Crisis
Iranian Hostage Crisis (1979-1981): U.S. embassy staff held hostage post-revolution.
Economic Policies
Reaganomics and Supply Side Economics: Tax cuts to encourage investment and economic growth.