Lecture Notes on Nixon, Ford, and Carter

Flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts from the lecture on Nixon, Ford, and Carter.

1. Nixon: conservative or liberal? New Federalism, Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Richard Nixon's administration can be seen as a blend of conservative and liberal policies. His 'New Federalism' aimed to distribute power to state governments, reducing federal intervention. He established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address environmental issues and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure workplace safety, reflecting a liberal concern for regulation and protection.

2. Nixon and welfare

Nixon's approach to welfare involved attempting to reform the system through the Family Assistance Plan, which aimed to provide a guaranteed income for families, thereby modernizing welfare while also appealing to conservative critics of the system. However, this plan faced opposition and was ultimately not passed.

3. Nixon and race, affirmative action: Philadelphia Plan

Nixon's administration addressed race relations through the Philadelphia Plan, which required federal contractors to hire minority workers, effectively implementing affirmative action. This was a response to civil rights movements and aimed to increase opportunities for minority groups in employment.

4. Nixon’s Supreme Court nominations, Warren Burger, the Burger Court, School integration, busing

Nixon nominated Warren Burger as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, leading to the 'Burger Court.' His nominations reflected a more conservative approach, particularly in cases concerning school integration and busing, often promoting a limited judicial intervention in racial issues.

5. Reverse discrimination, Bakke v. University of California

The Bakke v. University of California case addressed 'reverse discrimination' where Allan Bakke challenged the affirmative action policy of the university that reserved spots for minority applicants. The Supreme Court ruled that while affirmative action is permissible, racial quotas are not.

6. Mainstream acceptance of sexual revolution, Title IX, the gay and lesbian movement

The 1970s marked a period of significant change with the mainstream acceptance of the sexual revolution. Title IX was enacted to prevent gender discrimination in education, which benefitted women and supported the growth of the gay and lesbian rights movement.

7. Nixon's foreign policy - 'Realist,' 'peaceful coexistence,' 'detente,' SALT, Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, China

Nixon's foreign policy was characterized by Realism, focusing on practical outcomes. He promoted 'detente' with the Soviet Union, marked by the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Nixon also opened diplomatic relations with China, which was a major shift in U.S. foreign policy.

8. Vietnam: Vietnamization, Invasion of Cambodia, the end of the Vietnam War, Robert McNamara

Vietnamization was Nixon's strategy to withdraw U.S. troops and transfer responsibility to South Vietnamese forces. The invasion of Cambodia aimed to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines. The Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975, and Robert McNamara, initially a key architect of the war, later expressed regret over the conflict.

9. Killings at Kent State, Jackson State, My Lai massacre, Pentagon Papers, War Powers Act

The Kent State and Jackson State shootings highlighted public opposition to the Vietnam War and raised concerns over government accountability. The My Lai massacre revealed the atrocities committed by U.S. soldiers, while the Pentagon Papers exposed misleading government information about the war, leading to the War Powers Act to check presidential power in military engagements.

10. Watergate: causes, crime, investigations, impeachment or resignation, Freedom of Information Act, Loss of public faith in government

The Watergate scandal stemmed from Nixon's administration's illegal activities to ensure re-election, leading to investigations that uncovered extensive abuses of power. This resulted in Nixon's resignation. The scandal also prompted reforms like the Freedom of Information Act, contributing to a significant decline in public trust in government.

11. The decline in manufacturing: trade, gold standard, surge in oil prices, 'Stagflation,' 'misery index,' unions, the Sunbelt

The decline of American manufacturing in the 1970s was influenced by global trade dynamics, abandoning the gold standard, rising oil prices, and 'stagflation' (a combination of stagnation and inflation). The 'misery index' reflected economic distress, with unions struggling against job losses prevalent in the Sunbelt.

12. AR29: Argumentation: 'Nixon’s domestic and foreign policies reflected a conservative agenda.'

This argument posits that Nixon's policies, both domestically with welfare reform and law and order initiatives, and in foreign policy through the establishment of detente and conservative judicial appointments, reflected a broader conservative agenda, aiming to appeal to traditional values and limit governmental reach.

13. Ford: Nixon pardon, economic problems, Helsinki Accord

Gerald Ford's presidency was marked by the controversial pardon of Nixon, aimed at moving the country past Watergate. He grappled with economic challenges including inflation and unemployment. The Helsinki Accord marked a significant step in East-West relations, emphasizing human rights.

14. Carter: economic problems, deregulation, Three Mile Island, 'Crisis of confidence' speech

Jimmy Carter faced severe economic issues, including inflation and energy crises, leading to key deregulation in transportation and energy sectors. The Three Mile Island incident raised concerns about nuclear safety, and his 'Crisis of Confidence' speech addressed the American public's disillusionment.

15. Human Rights politics and realists, Camp David Accord, Panama Canal treaty

Carter’s emphasis on human rights in foreign policy often clashed with realist approaches that prioritized national interests. The Camp David Accords were a breakthrough in Middle Eastern peace efforts, while the Panama Canal treaty aimed to transfer control of the canal back to Panama.

16. Iran crisis, Afghanistan crisis, Carter Doctrine

The Iran crisis involved the hostage situation that strained U.S. relations with Iran. The Afghanistan crisis led to the Carter Doctrine, asserting U.S. interests in the Persian Gulf and responding to Soviet expansionism.

17. Environmentalism: Voices of Freedom: From Barry Commoner, The Closing Circle (1971)

In 'The Closing Circle,' Barry Commoner discusses the interconnectedness of environmental issues and advocates for responsible and systematic approaches to tackle pollution and ecological destruction, driven by science and civil action.