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Recent U.S. History. An American flag is framed by the wreckage of the World Trade Center in New York City shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001.
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Recent U.S. History An American flag is framed by the wreckage of the World Trade Center in New York City shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. The 9/11 attacks were one of the most traumatic events to strike the nation in the last 40 years; their long-term effects are felt to this day.
Essential Questions What issues and factors have dominated U.S. foreign policy since the 1970s? What impact did political and economic scandals have on U.S. policy and the American people? How did terrorism and events in the Middle East affect the nation psychologically? What U.S. policies contributed to the eventual end of the Cold War? How did the rise of the Internet change the U.S. economy and people’s everyday lives? What factors contributed to the emergence and rising influence of various social and political groups during the period? Why did the U.S. government restrict civil liberties in the period following the 9/11 terrorist attacks?
Nixon Becomes President • Won close victory against Humphrey in 1968 election • Considered himself a “law and order” candidate • Views resonated with many tired of social unrest and war Richard Nixon prepares to take the Presidential Oath from Chief Justice Earl Warren on January 20, 1969
Richard M. Nixon • Served in House, Senate • Eisenhower’s VP • Lost narrowly to JFK in 1960 • Defeated for California Governor in 1962 • Elected president in 1968, 1972 • Resigned in 1974
Nixon’s Domestic Policies • “New Federalism” • Environmental policies (Clean Air Act, EPA) • OSHA and workplace safety • Women’s rights • “Revenue sharing” • Revamping welfare
Nixon’s Foreign Policy • Development of realpolitik and détente • Role of Henry Kissinger • Visits to China, USSR • Arms limitation treaties • CIA involvement in 1973 Chilean coup President Nixon views the Great Wall of China in February 1972
Arab Oil Embargo • OPEC cut production by 25% due to U.S. dollar devaluation and Yom Kippur War • Gasoline prices increased, oil consumption decreased • American auto market declined • Move towards energy conservation
Discussion Questions • What was President Nixon’s “New Federalism” program? In your estimation, how effective was it? • What did Nixon do regarding environmental issues? • How did Nixon change his views regarding the USSR and communist China? Describe the effect this had on arms limitation agreements. • What factors caused the Arab Oil Embargo, and what short- and long-term impact did it have on the U.S. economy and society?
Nixon’s “Law and Order” Strategy • Nixon sought to realign political allegiances into a new Republican coalition • Southern Strategy • Harassment of “militant groups” • “Enemies List”
The Huston Plan • Named after White House aide Tom Charles Huston • Sought to provide coordination of domestic intelligence assets • Plan called for domestic burglary, electronic surveillance, and mail fraud • Use of IRS to harass subjects • “White House Plumbers”