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Transformations in the Ford-Carter Era: Challenges and Shifts in American Society

Dive into the significant cultural, social, and economic changes of the Ford-Carter years, exploring the political and economic challenges faced by presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. Witness the impacts of historical events, like the Nixon pardon and stagflation, on the nation's confidence and identity, and discover how demographic shifts and the rise of the "Me Generation" shaped American politics and values. Explore the resurgence of traditional values amid societal changes and the emergence of conservatism in the era.

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Transformations in the Ford-Carter Era: Challenges and Shifts in American Society

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  1. Chapter 31 Section 2 Notes

  2. The Ford Carter Years • Significant cultural, social, and economical changes. • Sense that something was off.

  3. Ford Faces Political and Economic Woes • Gerald Ford • Star football player University of Michigan • Navy • WWII vet • Ran for seat in the Congress (served 25 yrs) • House Minority leader 1965 • Supported for VP by Dems and Rep. • 38th president of the United States following Richard Nixon's resignation, in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal.

  4. Ford Pardons Nixon • Nelson Rockefeller, former governor of NY as V.P. • Continue foreign policy approaches • Pardoned Nixon for any crimes he had committed as President. • Popularity of President declined when he did this.

  5. Stagflation Plagues the Nation • Inflation hit double digits in 1974 and 1975. • WIN (Whip Inflation Now) • Failed • Factories closed, consumer demands dropped, unemployment rose.

  6. A Washington Outsider Becomes President • Jimmy Carter • One time governor of Georgia • Served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. • Awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for work to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

  7. Suported by many Christian fundamentalists- people who believe in strict literal interpretation of the Bible as the foundation of the Christian faith.

  8. Carter Pays a Price for Inexperience • Wanted to portray himself as “citizens” President. • Inexperience's also hurt him • No close ties with Democratic leadership in Congress. • Bills not pass • Granted amnesty or political pardons to Americans who had evaded the draft during the Vietnam War. • American citizens criticized him for this.

  9. Problems Sap the Nation’s Confidence • Japanese car companies began selling in US and American companies began to suffer. Ie. Chrysler • Energy crisis. Fuel shortages=business close down. • Called on Americans to conserve and ask Congress to raise taxes on crude oil which he helped would encourage conservation. • Passed with few of his ideas. • Inflation. • Nominated Paul Volvker to head Federal Reserve Board. Interest rates rose. Helped bring end to inflation.

  10. Demography Affects Politics • Migration post WWII • Northern industries suffered, many blue collar workers and families moved from the Rust Belt states of the Northeast and Midwest to the Sunbelt of the South and West. • Nixon and Carter showed political power of Sunbelt. • 1970s-immigrants from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Mexicans migrated to U.S.

  11. The “ Me Generation” Comes of Age • 1960: challenge of societies traditional values. • End of 1970s: divorce rate more than doubled, children born out of wedlock. • The “me decade” • Transcendental Medtation: practice based on Eastern religious ideas. • Fitness and health

  12. Conservatives Reassert Traditional Values • Resurgence of fundamental Christianity. • Televangelists: T.V. preachers • During 1970s religious conservatives began forming alliances with other conservatives. • Ronald Reagan would use this alliance to help win election.

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