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The Forgettable Years. Unit 5 Lesson 8. Big Idea:. Lasting effects of the Watergate scandal cost Gerald Ford the presidency and put DC outsider Jimmy Carter in office. Both faced serious economic problems at home and challenges abroad. Warm Up.
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The Forgettable Years Unit 5 Lesson 8
Big Idea: • Lasting effects of the Watergate scandal cost Gerald Ford the presidency and put DC outsider Jimmy Carter in office. Both faced serious economic problems at home and challenges abroad.
Warm Up • What motivated Nixon to commit the acts that forced his resignation? http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=mini_home&mini_id=54488
Review • What were the 3 goals of Nixon’s “New Conservatism”? • What was Nixon’s “southern strategy” • How did Nixon’s foreign policies impact the Cold War? • What was Watergate and how did it lead to Nixon’s resignation?
The Unlikely President • Aug 8, 1974 • VP Gerald Ford becomes 1st non-elected President • Nelson Rockefeller appointed VP • Nation distrusts govt • Angry Congress • Unstable economy
Ford’s Foibles • Watergate Scandal • Pardon costs support • Economic Troubles • Recession, “WIN” • Combative Congress • Veto (66x’s) • Cold War Tensions • Détente, Helsinki Accords • SE Asia • Vietnam Falls, Khmer Rouge in Cambodia (War Powers Act)
Bicentennial July 4,1976, US 200 yrs old…yeah!!!
1976 Election • Republicans • Gerald Ford holds off Reagan • Democrats • Jimmy Carter, GA gov and peanut farmer • Issues: • Inflation, Energy, Unemployment • Carter wins • Close 297 to 240 • 50.1% pop vote
Mr. Carter, Peanut Farmer • DC outsider • Religious man • Plain spoken, but intelligent • Informal, low-key image
Domestic Issues DC Outsider Inexperience, lack support Economy Inflation: Deficits, then social cuts Deregulation “Misery Index” Civil Rights Bakke & Affirm Action Environment 3 Mile Island Energy Crisis DOE, NEA, conservation OPEC shortages, lines, prices Foreign Policy Middle East Camp David Accords Soviet Union SALT II, Afghan Invasion = 1980 Olympic Boycott, end detente IRAN HOSTAGE CRISIS 52 taken @ US embassy Held 444 days Failed rescue attempt = 8 dead Released day Reagan took office Carter’s Conundrums
Enter the Conservative Revolution • Inflation • Energy • Hostages • Reagan defeats Carter • Tough on communism • Reduce size of govt • Stimulate economy
Closure Who was more successful in the Presidency, Ford or Carter? Why?