Nixon and the 1970s - Ch. 36 10-17 to Ch. 37 1-6

Richard Nixon

The 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. He is known for his foreign policy achievements and the Watergate scandal that led to his resignation."

Henry Kissinger

The U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under Presidents Nixon and Ford. He played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to China and the Soviet Union."

Vietnamization

A policy introduced by President Nixon to gradually withdraw U.S. troops from Vietnam and transfer combat responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces. It aimed to reduce American involvement in the Vietnam War."

Nixon Doctrine

A foreign policy strategy announced by President Nixon in 1969, stating that the U.S. would support its allies with economic and military aid but not with large-scale ground forces. It emphasized the need for allies to take more responsibility for their own defense."

Kent State

A 1970 incident where National Guard troops fired on anti-Vietnam War protesters at Kent State University in Ohio, killing four students. The tragedy intensified public opposition to the war."

My Lai

A massacre of hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians by U.S. soldiers in 1968 during the Vietnam War. The incident caused widespread outrage and eroded support for the war."

Pentagon Papers

A classified government study leaked in 1971 that revealed the U.S. government's misleading actions and decisions regarding the Vietnam War. The release of the papers fueled public distrust in the government."

Paris Accords of 1973

A peace agreement signed in 1973 to end the Vietnam War and restore peace in Vietnam. It led to the withdrawal of U.S. troops and the release of prisoners of war."

Détente

A period of eased tensions and improved relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the 1970s. It involved arms control agreements and increased diplomatic engagements."

China Visit

President Nixon's historic 1972 trip to China, which marked the first time a U.S. president visited the People's Republic of China. It opened diplomatic relations between the two countries."

Soviet Union; Strategic Arms Limitation Talks

Negotiations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the 1970s aimed at limiting the number of strategic nuclear weapons. The talks resulted in agreements such as the SALT I treaty."

New Federalism

A political philosophy promoted by President Nixon that sought to shift power and resources from the federal government to state and local governments. It aimed to decentralize governance and increase efficiency."

Stagflation

An economic condition characterized by stagnant economic growth, high unemployment, and high inflation. It posed a significant challenge for policymakers in the 1970s."

Southern Strategy

A political strategy used by Republicans to gain support from white voters in the South by appealing to conservative and racial sentiments. It played a key role in reshaping the political landscape."

Warren Burger

The 15th Chief Justice of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1986. He presided over several important Supreme Court cases, including Roe v. Wade and the Watergate tapes decision."

George McGovern

A U.S. Senator and the Democratic candidate for president in 1972. He was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War and advocated for progressive policies."

Watergate; Articles of Impeachment

A political scandal involving President Nixon's administration's attempted cover-up of a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. The scandal led to articles of impeachment and Nixon's resignation."

United States v. Nixon

A 1974 Supreme Court case that ruled President Nixon had to release the Watergate tapes. The decision reinforced the principle that no one is above the law, including the president."

War Powers Act (1973)

A U.S. law that aimed to limit the president's ability to deploy military forces without congressional approval. It requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces and limits military engagement to 60 days without further authorization."

Middle East War (1973)

Also known as the Yom Kippur War, it was a conflict between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria. The war had significant geopolitical implications and led to an oil embargo by OPEC."

OPEC; Oil Embargo

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, a group of oil-producing nations. In 1973, OPEC imposed an oil embargo on countries supporting Israel, leading to an energy crisis."

Gerald Ford

The 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977. He assumed the presidency following Nixon's resignation and is known for pardoning Nixon."

Cambodia; Khmer Rouge

A Southeast Asian country where the Khmer Rouge, a communist regime led by Pol Pot, took power in 1975. The regime is infamous for its brutal genocide, killing an estimated 1.7 million people."

Bicentennial

The 200th anniversary of the United States, celebrated in 1976. It marked a time of national reflection and patriotism."

James Earl (Jimmy) Carter

The 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. He is known for his focus on human rights, the Camp David Accords, and the Iran hostage crisis."

Human Rights

A central focus of President Carter's foreign policy, emphasizing the promotion and protection of individual freedoms and rights worldwide. It influenced U.S. relations with other nations."

Panama Canal Treaty (1978)

A treaty signed between the U.S. and Panama that transferred control of the Panama Canal from the U.S. to Panama by the year 2000. It aimed to improve relations between the two countries."

Camp David Accords (1978)

A peace agreement brokered by President Carter between Egypt and Israel. The accords led to a historic peace treaty between the two nations."

Anwar Sadat; Menachem Begin

The leaders of Egypt and Israel, respectively, who signed the Camp David Accords. Their efforts led to the first peace agreement between Israel and an Arab country."

Iran; Hostage Crisis

A 444-day standoff where 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by Iranian militants. The crisis began in 1979 and significantly impacted U.S.-Iran relations."

Afghanistan Invasion

The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan aimed at supporting the communist government. It led to a prolonged conflict and U.S. support for Afghan resistance fighters."

Cultural Pluralism

A concept that promotes the coexistence of diverse cultures in a society, with each maintaining its unique cultural identity. It encourages mutual respect and appreciation among different cultural groups."

Immigration Act (1965)

A U.S. law that abolished the national origins quota system, leading to increased immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It aimed to eliminate discriminatory immigration policies."

Immigration Reform and Control Act (1986)

A U.S. law that aimed to control and deter illegal immigration. It included provisions for the legalization of undocumented immigrants and increased border security."

Hispanic Americans

Americans of Hispanic or Latino descent, representing a diverse group of people from various Spanish-speaking countries. They have made significant contributions to American culture, politics, and society."

Cesar Chavez

A labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association. He is known for his efforts to improve conditions for agricultural workers through nonviolent protests."

American Indian Movement

A Native American advocacy group founded in 1968 to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, and police brutality. It played a key role in advocating for Native American rights."

Indian Self-Determination Act (1975)

A U.S. law that granted tribes greater control over federal programs and services affecting their communities. It aimed to promote self-governance and reduce federal intervention."

Asian Americans

Americans of Asian descent, representing a diverse group of people from various Asian countries. They have made significant contributions to American society in fields such as science, technology, and the arts."

Gay Liberation Movement

A social and political movement that emerged in the late 1960s to advocate for the rights and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. It aimed to challenge discrimination and promote equal rights."

Environmental Movement

A social and political movement advocating for the protection and preservation of the environment. It gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, addressing issues like pollution, conservation, and sustainable development."

Earth Day (1970)

An annual event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The first Earth Day in 1970 marked the birth of the modern environmental movement."

Nuclear Accidents; Three Mile Island; Chernobyl

Significant nuclear plant accidents: Three Mile Island (1979) in the U.S., which resulted in a partial meltdown, and Chernobyl (1986) in Ukraine, which caused a catastrophic release of radioactive material. Both incidents raised public concern about nuclear safety."

Clean Air Act (1970)

A U.S. federal law designed to control air pollution and protect air quality. It established national air quality standards and regulations for emissions from industries and vehicles."

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

A U.S. government agency established in 1970 to protect human health and the environment. It enforces regulations related to air, water, and land pollution."

Clean Water Act (1972)

A U.S. federal law aimed at reducing water pollution and protecting water quality. It regulates discharges into water bodies and sets wastewater standards for industries."

Environmental Superfund

A U.S. federal program established to clean up contaminated sites and respond to environmental emergencies. Funded by taxes on polluting industries, it addresses hazardous waste sites and pollution."

Warren Commission

The official investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination."

24th, 25th, 26th Amendments

Amendments to the U.S. Constitution: The 24th (1964) abolished the poll tax, the 25th (1967) established procedures for presidential succession, and the 26th (1971) lowered the voting age to 18."

Greening of America

A book published in 1970 by Charles Reich that celebrated the rise of the counterculture and its potential to transform American society. It argued for a new consciousness focused on personal freedom and environmentalism."

Hippies, Haight-Ashbury, Woodstock

Key elements of the 1960s counterculture movement: Hippies were known for their alternative lifestyles and anti-establishment views, Haight-Ashbury was a San Francisco neighborhood that became a cultural hub, and Woodstock was a legendary music festival held in 1969."

Impeach Earl Warren

A campaign by conservative groups in the 1950s and 1960s to remove Chief Justice Earl Warren from the Supreme Court. They opposed his progressive rulings on civil rights and criminal justice."

Assassinations: RFK, MLK

The murders of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (1968) and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. (1968). These events were pivotal moments in 1960s American history and had profound impacts on the nation."

Port Huron Statement

A manifesto adopted by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) in 1962. It called for participatory democracy, social justice, and an end to racial discrimination and militarism."

Hawks and Doves

Terms used to describe individuals' positions on military conflict: 'Hawks' support aggressive military action, while 'Doves' advocate for peace and negotiation. The terms were commonly used during the Vietnam War."

Counterculture

A social movement in the 1960s and 1970s that rejected mainstream values and norms. It was associated with anti-war protests, experimentation with drugs, and alternative lifestyles."

Sexual Revolution

A social movement in the 1960s and 1970s that challenged traditional codes of behavior related to sexuality and interpersonal relationships. It promoted sexual freedom and the acceptance of diverse sexual identities."

Ngo Dinh Diem

The first President of South Vietnam, serving from 1955 to 1963. His authoritarian regime faced significant opposition, leading to his assassination in a coup."

Ho Chi Minh

The leader of the Vietnamese independence movement and the first President of North Vietnam. He played a key role in the fight against French colonial rule and the Vietnam War."

General Westmoreland

The commander of U.S. military operations in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968. He is known for his strategy of attrition, which aimed to wear down the enemy through continuous losses."

Daniel Ellsberg

A former military analyst who leaked the Pentagon Papers, a classified government study revealing U.S. government deception in the Vietnam War. His actions fueled public distrust in the government."

Peace Corps

A volunteer program established by John F. Kennedy in 1961 to provide technical assistance and promote cultural exchange in developing countries. Volunteers work in areas such as education, health, and agriculture."

Alliance for Progress

A program initiated by John F. Kennedy in 1961 to promote economic cooperation and development in Latin America. It aimed to improve U.S.-Latin American relations and counteract the influence of communism."

“Operation Mongoose”

A covert CIA operation authorized by President Kennedy in 1961 to overthrow the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro. It involved sabotage, intelligence gathering, and assassination attempts."

Dominican Intervention

A 1965 U.S. military intervention in the Dominican Republic to prevent the establishment of a communist government. It was justified as a measure to protect American citizens and restore order."

Strategic Hamlet Program

A U.S.-supported initiative during the Vietnam War to relocate rural populations into fortified villages. It aimed to isolate the Viet Cong from civilian support but faced resistance and criticism."

NLF/Viet Cong

The National Liberation Front (NLF), commonly known as the Viet Cong, was a communist-led guerrilla force that fought against the South Vietnamese government and U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. They played a key role in the conflict through insurgency tactics."

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

A 1964 congressional resolution that authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to take military action in Vietnam. It was based on alleged attacks on U.S. ships in the Gulf of Tonkin."

Tet Offensive

A major 1968 military campaign by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces against South Vietnam and U.S. troops. It marked a turning point in public opinion against the Vietnam War."

Domino Theory

A Cold War-era belief that the fall of one country to communism would lead to the spread of communism to neighboring countries. It was used to justify U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia."

Cambodian Incursion

A 1970 U.S. and South Vietnamese military operation aimed at disrupting North Vietnamese supply lines in Cambodia. It sparked widespread protests and controversy in the United States."

Jackson State

A 1970 incident where police opened fire on students at Jackson State College in Mississippi during anti-Vietnam War protests, killing two students.