Nixon, Ford, and Carter Presidencies Review

Flashcards for reviewing key terms and concepts from a lecture on the Nixon, Ford, and Carter presidencies.

Nixon's Trip to China (1972)

First U.S. president to visit Communist China, opening diplomatic relations and weakening the Soviet Union through détente.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Created by Nixon in 1970 to enforce environmental laws.

Watergate Scandal

Break-in at the Democratic Party headquarters orchestrated by Nixon's re-election team, followed by a cover-up that led to Nixon's resignation.

Saturday Night Massacre (1973)

Nixon's order to fire the special prosecutor investigating Watergate, leading to resignations and increased pressure on Nixon.

Nixon's Resignation (1974)

Nixon resigned from the presidency to avoid impeachment.

New Federalism

Nixon’s plan to shift power and money to state governments, reducing federal control.

Détente

A Cold War policy of relaxing tensions, pursued by Nixon with the Soviet Union and China.

Realpolitik

A foreign policy based on practical goals rather than moral ideals, used by Nixon and Kissinger.

WIN (Whip Inflation Now)

Ford's campaign to fight inflation, which had little effect.

Mayaguez Incident (1975)

Cambodian forces captured a U.S. cargo ship, leading to a military rescue mission ordered by Ford.

Helsinki Accords (1975)

Agreement between the U.S., USSR, and European nations promising respect for human rights and national borders.

Camp David Accords (1978)

Peace agreement brokered by Carter between Egypt and Israel.

Iranian Hostage Crisis (1979-1981)

52 Americans held hostage in Iran for 444 days, damaging Carter's presidency.

Energy Crisis

Caused by high oil prices and shortages, leading to long gas lines and Carter's push for energy conservation.

Vietnamization

Nixon's policy of gradually withdrawing U.S. troops from Vietnam.

SALT I

A treaty signed by Nixon to limit nuclear weapons with USSR.

Pardoned Nixon

Ford pardoned Nixon to ‘heal the nation’, a very unpopular decision.