The restoration of conservative values was the most significant domestic development of the Nixon years.” Assess the validity of this view.

What is the Topic Sentence for Paragraph 1 (Conservative Reaction to Protest)?

The restoration of conservative social values was highly significant because Nixon successfully appealed to Americans reacting against protest movements and social change during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

What is Evidence 1 for Paragraph 1 (Conservative Reaction to Protest)?

Nixon repeatedly appealed to the “silent majority,” particularly in his televised speech of November 1969 defending American policy in Vietnam.

What is the Analysis for Paragraph 1, Evidence 1?

This allowed Nixon to portray anti-war protesters and radical activists as unrepresentative of ordinary Americans.

What is Evidence 2 for Paragraph 1 (Conservative Reaction to Protest)?

The administration supported tougher law-and-order policies during rising crime rates and urban unrest throughout the early 1970s.

What is the Analysis for Paragraph 1, Evidence 2?

Conservative rhetoric appealed strongly to middle-class suburban voters concerned about social instability.

What is the Counter Sentence (Counter Point) for Paragraph 1?

However, social protest movements continued growing despite conservative reactions.

What is the Counter Evidence for Paragraph 1?

Large anti-war demonstrations continued after the Kent State shootings of May 1970, when four students were killed by the National Guard.

What is the Counter Analysis for Paragraph 1?

This demonstrated that protest movements still retained significant public support.

What is the Topic Sentence for Paragraph 2 (Economic Problems)?

Economic difficulties became increasingly important during Nixon’s presidency because they marked the end of long-term post-war prosperity.

What is Evidence 1 for Paragraph 2 (Economic Problems)?

In August 1971 Nixon introduced the New Economic Policy, including a 90-day wage and price freeze and ending dollar convertibility into gold.

What is the Analysis for Paragraph 2, Evidence 1?

These measures demonstrated growing concern about inflation, unemployment and international economic instability.

What is Evidence 2 for Paragraph 2 (Economic Problems)?

The 1973 oil crisis caused oil prices to rise dramatically after OPEC restricted production following the Yom Kippur War.

What is the Analysis for Paragraph 2, Evidence 2?

This contributed to rising inflation, unemployment and economic stagnation across the American economy.

What is the Counter Sentence (Counter Point) for Paragraph 2?

However, economic problems did not completely destroy prosperity during Nixon’s presidency.

What is the Counter Evidence for Paragraph 2?

Consumer spending and suburban middle-class lifestyles still remained strong for many Americans during the early 1970s.

What is the Counter Analysis for Paragraph 2?

This suggests economic decline was gradual rather than immediate.

What is the Topic Sentence for Paragraph 3 (Nixon Administration Policies)?

Despite conservative rhetoric, Nixon’s domestic policies often remained more moderate and pragmatic than expected.

What is Evidence 1 for Paragraph 3 (Nixon Administration Policies)?

Nixon expanded affirmative action policies through the Philadelphia Plan, encouraging increased employment opportunities for African-Americans in construction industries.

What is the Analysis for Paragraph 3, Evidence 1?

This demonstrated that Nixon accepted some federal responsibility for reducing racial inequality.

What is Evidence 2 for Paragraph 3 (Nixon Administration Policies)?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 alongside legislation such as the Clean Air Act.

What is the Analysis for Paragraph 3, Evidence 2?

This reflected growing public concern about environmental issues and government regulation.

What is the Counter Sentence (Counter Point) for Paragraph 3?

However, Nixon still focused heavily upon conservative electoral strategies.

What is the Counter Evidence for Paragraph 3?

The “Southern Strategy” deliberately targeted white Southern voters dissatisfied with civil rights reforms and social protest movements.

What is the Counter Analysis for Paragraph 3?

This strengthened the long-term growth of conservative Republican support in the South.