Study Notes on Richard Nixon and America's Economic Decline in the 1970s

Overview of Richard Nixon's Political Career and the Economic Decline of the 1970s

Introduction

  • The lecture focuses on Richard Nixon’s rise and fall, using it as a lens to understand America in the 1970s.
  • Key themes: Economic decline in the 1970s and voter responses to that decline.
  • Objectives:
    • Examine Nixon's rise and policies.
    • Understand the economic changes in the 1970s.
    • Analyze the fall of Nixon.

Nixon's Early Career

  • Richard Milhouse Nixon:
    • Elected as a Republican Representative from California.
    • Served as a Congressman and then a Senator.
    • Associated with the Red Scare, promoting anti-communism.
  • Vice Presidency:
    • In 1952, Nixon was selected as Dwight Eisenhower’s running mate as a relatively unknown politician.
    • They won the election and were reelected in 1956, making Nixon Vice President from 1952 to 1960.

Economic Landscape of the 1950s

  • Postwar prosperity:
    • The US produced half of the world’s manufactured goods (e.g. shoes, cars, washing machines).
    • Dominance in key industries (steel, oil, automotive): 80% of autos were American-made.
    • Average US worker earned 15 times more than workers in other countries, leading to a strong middle class.
  • Eisenhower’s presidency fostered economic expansion, characterizing the decade as pro-business.

Nixon’s Presidential Campaign in 1960

  • Nixon vs. John F. Kennedy:
    • Notable features of the election: First televised debate.
    • Nixon campaigned vigorously but appeared tired and less polished compared to Kennedy.
    • Television viewers favored Kennedy, while radio listeners preferred Nixon, highlighting the importance of visual representation in politics.
  • Nixon lost the election to Kennedy.

The 1960s: Political and Social Turmoil

  • The 1960s contrasted sharply with the prosperity of the 1950s, marked by social upheaval, protests, and political assassinations.
  • Key events: Assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, riots, and the Tet Offensive in Vietnam.

Nixon’s Return in 1968

  • After an eight-year hiatus, Nixon decided to run for president again in 1968.
  • He sought to attract new voter coalitions, recognizing the discontent of many Americans.
  • Target groups:
    • Anti-anti-war protesters: Individuals frustrated with the protests against the Vietnam War, not necessarily supportive of the war.
    • Blue-collar workers and white Southerners traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party.

Campaign Strategy

  • Nixon branded Democrats as "hippies, hooligans, and radicals."
  • Created the concept of the "silent majority," a call to everyday Americans not involved in protests, who were viewed as the true majority.
  • Key cultural artifacts: Songs, such as