Page 1: Nixon's Presidency and the Election of 1972

• Nixon appealed to conservative Americans as the "silent majority" who were disaffected by civil rights, liberal court rulings, antiwar protests, and counterculture.

  • Included southern Whites, northern Catholic blue-collar workers, and recent suburbanites.

• Nixon's Southern Strategy aimed to win over the South by delaying integration plans and nominating Southern conservatives to the Supreme Court.

  • Despite setbacks, the strategy resonated with southern White voters and shifted political power to the Sun Belt and rural America.

• The Election of 1972 showcased Nixon's success with the Southern strategy, winning majorities in every Southern state and a landslide victory over George McGovern.

  • Marked a shift towards a more socially conservative Republican Party and a decline in prospects for civil rights legislation.

Watergate Scandal and American Society in Transition

• Watergate Scandal had far-reaching consequences beyond Nixon's resignation, including a paralyzing effect on the political system in the mid-1970s.

  • Led to the conviction and jailing of White House officials and aides, impacting the need for strong leadership during critical times.

• American society in the 1970s experienced significant social changes, with a growing awareness of aging population and shifting racial and ethnic demographics.

  • By 1990, minority groups made up 25% of the population, with a projected increase to 50% by 2050, emphasizing cultural pluralism over the melting pot model.

Nixon's Electoral Triumph and Political Realignment

• Nixon's electoral triumph in 1972 marked the beginning of a major political realignment, with Sun Belt and suburban voters forming a new Republican majority.

  • Shifted power dynamics from the more liberal Democratic Party to the conservative Republican Party, impacting debates on the role of the federal government.

• The 1970s saw a transition from the dominance of the liberal Democratic Party to a more conservative Republican Party, with contrasting views on governance and societal issues.

Watergate Scandal and Nixon Administration

House Judiciary Committee Findings

• Voted articles of impeachment against Nixon for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress.

• Nixon ordered wiretaps on government employees and reporters to stop news leaks.

• Created a group called the "plumbers" to stop leaks and discredit opponents.

• Burglarized the office of psychiatrist Daniel Ellsberg to discredit him.

• Maintained an "enemies list" of prominent Americans who opposed Nixon.

Watergate Investigation

• No solid proof of Nixon ordering illegal activities, but engaged in a cover-up.

• Tough sentencing of Watergate burglars led to information about White House involvement.

• Senate investigating committee led by Sam Ervin brought abuses to light through televised hearings.

• Nixon's top aides resigned and were indicted for obstructing justice.

• Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, facing impeachment and trial.

Resignation of President and Significance

• Nixon's resignation in 1974 led to Vice President Gerald Ford becoming the first unelected president.

• Watergate scandal highlighted the dangerous shift of power to the presidency.

• Contributed to a growing loss of faith in the federal government.

Gerald Ford Presidency

Transition to Presidency

• Ford replaced Vice President Agnew in 1973.

• Ford's likable and unpretentious nature raised questions about his ability to be president.

• Impeachment hearings and Supreme Court decision forced Nixon to reveal transcripts of Watergate tapes.

Ford's Presidency

• Ford's presidency faced challenges due to the aftermath of Watergate.

• Ford's presidency covered topics like the Cold War, economy, and Vietnam.

Conclusion

• Watergate scandal led to Nixon's resignation and Ford becoming president.

• Highlighted issues of abuse of power and loss of faith in the government.

• Ford's presidency faced challenges due to the aftermath of Watergate.

Page 3

Pardoning of Nixon

• President Ford pardoned Nixon to end the "national nightmare."

• Critics were upset that the full truth of Nixon's deeds did not come out.

• Ford was accused of making a "corrupt bargain" with Nixon.

Loss of Popularity

• Carter's popularity declined due to the Iranian hostage crisis and economic issues.

• Carter blamed the country's problems on a "moral and spiritual crisis."

• Many Americans blamed Carter for weak leadership.

Investigating the CIA

• Democratic Congress looked into abuses in the executive branch, especially the CIA.

• CIA was accused of engineering assassinations of foreign leaders.

• Ford's approval rating dropped to 23% by the 1980 election year.

The Burger Court Bicentennial Celebration

• Nixon replaced liberal Supreme Court justices with more conservative ones.

• The Burger Court was more conservative but made decisions that angered conservatives.

• Watergate still affected the Republican Party in the 1976 elections.

The Election of 1976

• Watergate's shadow affected the 1976 elections.

• Ford was challenged by Ronald Reagan for the Republican nomination.

• Carter won the election against Ford and other Democratic candidates.

Abortion Rights

• Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion.

• Opposition to abortion became a political requirement for Republicans.

• Carter won the election with support from the South and African American voters.

Page 4

Conservative Resurgence

• Social stress and fragmentation increased due to protest movements.

• A conservative reaction to liberal policies gained strength in the late 1970s.

A New Era in American Politics

• Rise of conservatism reshaped the political landscape.

• Factors like the end of the Cold War and globalization influenced politics.

Conservative Religious Revival

• Religious leaders like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell played a role in politics.

• Televangelists had a large weekly audience by 1980.

• Religious movements influenced electoral politics and policy debates.

Deregulation of Business

• Business interests pushed for deregulation and lower taxes in the 1970s.

• Think tanks and organizations promoted free-market ideas.

• Proposition 13 in California led to a taxpayer revolt against increasing taxes.

Elimination of Racial Preferences

• Affirmative action faced backlash in the 1970s.

• Supreme Court ruled against racial quotas in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke.

• Conservatives campaigned to end preferences based on race and ethnicity.

Main Ideas from Page 5:

Reagan Revolution and Conservatism

• Reagan's inauguration coincided with the release of American hostages by Iranians.

  • Positive start for his administration.

• Reagan survived an assassination attempt with humor and charm, enhancing his popularity.

• Reagan aimed to reduce the size and scope of the federal government.

  • Promised lower taxes, reduced government spending, stronger military, and conservative federal court.

• Reaganomics advocated supply-side economics for increased investment and prosperity.

• Reagan's election in 1980 marked the rise of conservatism in American politics.

  • Contrasted with Democrats' Keynesian economics.

• Reagan won the Republican presidential nomination in 1980.

  • Passed Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 with tax cuts.

  • Focused on reducing government expansion and boosting U.S. prestige.

Federal Tax Reduction and Spending

• Reagan's presidency saw a 25% decrease in personal income taxes over three years.

• Cuts in corporate income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance taxes favored upper-income taxpayers.

• Reagan's campaign highlighted a "misery index" and asked voters if they were better off than four years ago.

• Reagan's election led to cuts in domestic programs but a rise in military spending.

  • No cuts in Medicare or Social Security.

  • Strengthened Social Security through bipartisan legislation.

Significance of Reagan's Election

• Reagan's election broke the Democratic coalition by winning over blue-collar voters.

• Republicans gained control by cutting domestic programs and increasing military spending.

• Reagan's bipartisan approach strengthened Social Security without cuts in essential programs.

Page 6: Reagan Administration Policies

• Reagan administration raised the age for full social security benefits to 67.

  • Democrats nominated Walter Mondale for president and Geraldine Ferraro as vice president.

• Reagan focused on deregulation, easing restrictions on business, industry, and environmental protection.

  • Regulations on savings and loan institutions, mergers, and auto industry were loosened.

• Budget and Trade Deficits

  • Reagan's tax cuts and increased military spending led to larger federal deficits.

  • National debt tripled during Reagan's presidency, reaching almost $2.7 trillion.

• Labor Unions

  • Reagan took a tough stance against unions, firing federal air traffic controllers and decertifying their union.

  • Anti-union policies and loss of manufacturing jobs led to a decline in union membership.

• Recession and Recovery

  • In 1982, the US faced a severe recession with high unemployment and bank failures.

  • Congress passed bills to increase taxes, and the economy rebounded in 1983.

• Impact of President Reagan

  • Reagan's policies favored investors and higher-income Americans, reducing the growth of the welfare state.

  • His appointments to the Supreme Court shifted it to the right, impacting social issues like affirmative action and abortion restrictions.

• The Election of 1984

  • Reagan's popularity and economic recovery led to his reelection in 1984.

  • His leadership style and policies changed the political landscape for a generation.

Page 7: President George H. W. Bush Political Inertia

• 1988 Election:

  • Republican ticket: George Bush and Dan Quayle.

  • Democratic nomination won by Michael Dukakis.

• Challenges Faced:

  • Budget issues and declining trust in government.

  • Difficulty in changing the direction of government.

• Campaign Strategies:

  • Bush charged Dukakis for being soft on crime and weak on national defense.

  • Promised not to raise taxes.

• Outcome:

  • Republicans won by 7 million votes.

  • Democrats failed to win White middle-class voters' confidence.

Political Polarization

• Division in the Nation:

  • Between conservative South, Great Plains, and Mountain States vs. moderate-to-liberal Northeast and West Coast.

  • Swing states like Ohio and Florida played crucial roles in presidential elections.

• Legislative Gridlock:

  • System of checks and balances led to legislative gridlock in Washington.

  • Traditional, religious, anti-government small towns leaned Republican.

Nomination of Clarence Thomas

• Controversial Nomination:

  • Strong opposition due to conservative judicial philosophy and sexual harassment charges.

  • Approved by a coalition of Republicans and Democrats.

• Impact:

  • Second African American member of the Supreme Court.

Taxes and the Economy

• Government Intervention:

  • Intervention to save S&Ls and federal budget deficits exceeded $250 billion.

• Tax Policy:

  • Bush broke his pledge of "no new taxes" by agreeing to $133 billion in new taxes.

  • Unpopular tax law increased top income tax rate and excise taxes.

• Economic Impact:

  • Recession in 1990 led to increased unemployment and decreased family income.

Divisions in the Federal Government

• Conservative Resurgence:

  • Reagan's election marked the conservative resurgence.

  • Control of Congress and state legislatures led to legislative stalemate.

• Bush's Tax Decision:

  • Betrayed Republicans by agreeing to new taxes.

  • Shift of Southern conservatives to the Republican Party.

Americans with Disabilities Act

• Significant Accomplishment:

  • Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

  • Prohibited discrimination against citizens with disabilities.

• Lasting Impact:

  • Brought individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American life.

Page 8: Gun Rights, Women's Equality and Safety, The Media, African Americans and Justice, Abortion, LGBT Rights

Gun Rights

• Gun ownership debated as a constitutional right with limited restrictions.

• Conservatives and Republicans opposed new regulations on gun sales and ownership of military-style weapons.

• Liberals and Democrats were more supportive of gun regulations.

Women's Equality and Safety

• Women made progress in labor force participation, pay equity, and education.

• Challenges included pay equity, top business leadership roles, and gender discrimination.

• #MeToo movement in 2017 highlighted sexual harassment and abuse issues.

• Businesses worked on improving sexual harassment policies and gender-based pay differences.

The Media

• Conservative versus liberal disagreements intensified partisanship.

• CNN and cable television expanded media platforms for diverse views.

• Talk radio, like Rush Limbaugh's show, provided conservative perspectives.

African Americans and Justice

• Civil rights movement opened opportunities for African Americans in middle class and leadership roles.

• Legacy of segregation and discrimination evident in poverty and incarceration rates.

• Police brutality against unarmed Black men drew increasing attention.

Abortion

• Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973 granted women the right to choose abortion.

• Ongoing moral debate over abortion rights.

• National conversation on racial disparity in the justice system and police use of force.

LGBT Rights

• Equality related to sexual orientation remained a divisive issue.

• Progress in same-sex marriage rights across states and Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.

• Continued fight over federal judges' appointments related to LGBT rights.

Page 9: Immigration and Demographic Changes

• Immigration from Latin America and Asia contributed to political divisions.

  • Native-born citizens criticized newer arrivals for their traits.

  • Amnesty for unauthorized immigrants was a roadblock to immigration reform.

The End of the Cold War and Economy

• Income disparities between wealthy and lower-income Americans led to debates.

  • Recessions highlighted the suffering of lower-income Americans.

• Health care coverage was a divisive issue, with debates on whether it was a right or personal responsibility.

• The Affordable Care Act of 2010 deeply divided Washington.

• The roles of Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev were pivotal in ending the Cold War.

Foreign Policy During the Reagan Years

• Reagan aimed to build U.S. military might and intensify the Cold War.

  • He referred to the Soviet Communists as the "evil empire."

• Increased defense spending and aid to anti-Communist forces marked Reagan's approach.

  • The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) aimed to build a high-tech missile defense system.

Reflect on the Learning Objective

• Political polarization between liberals and conservatives hindered addressing challenges.

• Reagan's foreign policy evolved to respond to changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

Key Terms

• Military Buildup, Conservatism, Reaganomics, LGBT rights, Economic Recovery Tax Act, #MeToo.

• Notable figures: Ronald Reagan, Sandra Day O'Connor, George H. Bush, Clarence Thomas.

• Landmark cases: District of Columbia v. Heller, Obergefell v. Hodges.

• Organizations: National Rifle Association, Black Lives Matter.

Page 10: Reagan Administration and the End of the Cold War

• Defense Budget and Foreign Policy

  • Defense budget increased from $171 billion in 1981 to over $300 billion in 1985.

  • Secretary of State George Schultz advocated for a peaceful settlement in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by proposing a homeland for the PLO in the West Bank.

  • Reagan supported right-wing dictators in Central America to counter communism.

• Improved U.S.-Soviet Relations

  • Reagan provided military aid to the Contras in Nicaragua to oppose the Sandinistas.

  • Gorbachev became the Soviet leader in 1985 and introduced reforms like glasnost and perestroika.

  • Reagan challenged Gorbachev to reduce military spending and end the arms race.

• Grenada Invasion and Summit Meetings

  • Reagan ordered an invasion of Grenada in 1983 to prevent a Communist military base.

  • Reagan and Gorbachev held three summit meetings, addressing arms control and other issues.

• Iran-Contra Affair

  • Reagan's involvement in aiding the Nicaraguan Contras led to the Iran-Contra affair.

  • The affair involved secret arms deals with Iran to fund the Contras, violating laws like the Boland Amendment.

  • Gorbachev reduced tensions by withdrawing Soviet troops from Afghanistan and cooperating with the U.S. on diplomatic efforts.

• Assessing Causes of the Cold War's End

  • Multiple factors contributed to the end of the Cold War, including Gorbachev's reforms and Reagan's military buildup.

  • Reagan's willingness to negotiate arms reductions with the Soviets played a significant role in easing tensions.

• Setbacks in the Middle East

  • Reagan faced challenges in the Middle East, including conflicts in Lebanon involving the PLO and terrorist attacks on U.S. forces.

  • Various leaders and thinkers, besides Reagan and Gorbachev, also played roles in the Cold War's conclusion.

Page 11

End of the Cold War

• President George H. W. Bush and the Russian Republic formed the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with nine former Soviet republics.

  • Yeltsin disbanded the Communist Party in Russia.

  • Bush and Gorbachev signed the START I and START II agreements to reduce nuclear warheads.

• Persian Gulf War:

  • Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War.

  • Bush built a coalition to pressure Hussein to withdraw.

Eastern Europe After the Fall of Communism

• Collapse of Soviet Communism:

  • Dramatic changes in the Communist world.

  • Solidarity movement led to the fall of Communist parties in various Eastern European countries.

• Challenges in Eastern Europe:

  • Concerns about civil wars and violence post-Cold War.

  • Breakup of Yugoslavia and civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Reunification of Germany:

  • Berlin Wall torn down in 1989.

  • Two Germanys reunited in 1990.

Page 12

Russia Under Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin

• Russia's struggle under Yeltsin:

  • Economic reforms and fighting corruption.

• Vladimir Putin's presidency:

  • Elected in 2000.

  • Strained relations with the U.S. due to various issues.

• War in the Former Yugoslavia:

  • Milosevic's suppression of independence movements.

  • Ethnic cleansing and NATO intervention to stop bloodshed.

Difficult Times in Eastern Europe and Russia

• Challenges post-Communism:

  • Economic stagnation and slow democratization.

  • Vulnerability to corruption and autocratic rule.

Reflection on Learning Objective

• Causes and effects of the end of the Cold War discussed