Richard M Nixon 1969 1974 1969 Nixons Back
Richard M. Nixon – 1969 -1974
1969 – Nixon’s Back!! • Strength: Foreign Policy • Nixon détente • SALT: Strategic Arms Limitations Talks – U. S. & Soviet armament control – 1972: Visit to China • Eases Cold War tensions
Arab Oil Embargo • 1973 -1974: Syria & Egypt attack Israel – U. S. provides aid to Israel. – Arab nations (OPEC)respond with an oil embargo. • Impact: oil & gas prices skyrocket.
Watergate • June 1972 – 5 men were arrested after breaking into the Democratic HQ in the Watergate Hotel. – Nixon (R) was planning to run for reelection.
Watergate, cont’d. • 2 members of White House staff are found guilty of planning and taking part in the breakin. • Nixon’s office recordings are subpoenaed. – Nixon fights this, but the SC rejects him. • House draws up impeachment charges.
Nixon Resigns - 1974 • VP Gerald Ford appointed as president. • Ist president not to be elected by American public.
Lessons of Watergate • Importance of an independent judiciary. • Rejuvenation of Congressional power. • Public faith in politicians drops dramatically.
Watergate – a victory for democracy? • 3 minute free-write: In your own words, state whether you think that Watergate had a positive or negative impact on the U. S. Consider: – The scandal created national cynicism about leaders. – It showed the importance of an independent judiciary/separation of powers in action.
- Slides: 8