Detailed Notes on Nixon's Presidency and the 1970s

Nixon's Political Shift

• 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.

Nixon's Policies

• 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.

Supreme Court Nominations and Affirmative Action

• 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.

Activism and Rights Movements

• 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

• 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.

Watergate Scandal

• 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 Challenges in the 1970s

• 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.

Shift in Economic Landscape

• 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.

Post-Nixon Presidential Landscape

• 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.