Detailed Notes on Nixon's Presidency and the 1970s

Nixon's administration marked a transition towards conservatism amidst a liberal post-World War II backdrop.
After the Red Scare and anti-war movements in the 60s, conservative sentiments began to rise.
Nixon was elected partially due to concerns among white voters regarding social movements.

Despite initial conservative leanings, Nixon expanded the welfare state and sought détente with the USSR and China.
Major policies during his presidency included:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Established to regulate environmental issues.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Ensured workplace safety.
- New Federalism: Gave states grants with discretion on spending.
- Family Assistance Plan: Proposed a guaranteed annual income system (unsuccessful).
Nixon's policies illustrated his moderate approach, attempting to balance liberal and conservative agendas.

Nixon nominated conservative justices, but faced Senate rejection.
Increased integration in schools, leading to progressive measures like busing students for diversity.
Philadelphia Plan: Encouraged minority employment but was later abandoned due to political pressure.
Landmark cases in civil rights:
- Swan v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education: Required busing for school integration.
- Milliken v. Bradley: Limited integration requirements for suburban areas.
- Regents of the University of California v. Bakke: Declared race quotas in college admissions unconstitutional.

Social activism surged from the 1960s onward, notably among:
- Native Americans: Gained control over health and social services, influenced by tribal revitalization.
- Disability Rights: Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibited discrimination against disabled individuals, leading to ADA in 1990.
- Women’s Movement: Title IX banned gender discrimination in education, leading to women's lawsuits for equal pay.
- LGBTQ+ Movement: Growing visibility and gradual decriminalization in several states.

Nixon's foreign policy was characterized by:
- A realist approach to communism; differentiated between China and the USSR.
- Key initiatives: Visits to China and the USSR, contributing to détente, and the SALT agreements.
- Vietnamization: Aimed to transfer fighting responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces.
- Cambodia's destabilization led to the rise of the Khmer Rouge and mass atrocities.

The Watergate scandal overshadowed Nixon’s achievements, detailing abuses of power like:
- The break-in at Democratic headquarters.
- Wiretapping and attempts to sabotage opposition.
Resulted in Nixon's resignation and a broader look at presidential power abuse and government transparency.

Economic downturn known as stagflation characterized by:
- High inflation and unemployment, leading to a drop in American living standards.
- Shift to imports over exports as the U.S. became less competitive.
Nixon's removal from the gold standard led to unstable currency fluctuations.

De-industrialization: Manufacturing jobs shifted to low-wage areas, especially in the Sun Belt region.
Political power in these areas grew, aligning more with conservative ideologies.
Economic frustrations culminated in the underperformance of the Ford and Carter administrations.

Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon and faced economic challenges with continuing inflation.
Jimmy Carter's presidency (1977-1981) emphasized human rights and environmental concerns amidst economic crises.
Despite intentions, face difficulties governing due to the economic climate and political opposition.