Chapter 18: A Crisis in Confidence (1968–1980)
Summary
President Richard Nixon believed in giving most power to the states, but did establish some strong federal agencies while in office. Nixon tried to win support of conservative southerners to expand his popularity. When Nixon was linked to the break-in of Democratic Party headquarters and subsequent cover-up, the investigation and scandal forced him to resign. When Gerald Ford became President he was criticized for pardoning Nixon and failing to solve inflation and other economic troubles. Jimmy Carter portrayed himself as a "common" President, but his inexperience hurt him when he had to deal with inflation and an energy crisis. Cultural and demographical changes in the 1970s had long-lasting effects on politics and society in the United States.
Chapter Outline
Section 1: Nixon and the Watergate Scandal
Section 2: The Ford and Carter Years
Section 3: Foreign Policy Troubles
President Richard Nixon believed in giving most power to the states, but did establish some strong federal agencies while in office. Nixon tried to win support of conservative southerners to expand his popularity. When Nixon was linked to the break-in of Democratic Party headquarters and subsequent cover-up, the investigation and scandal forced him to resign. When Gerald Ford became President he was criticized for pardoning Nixon and failing to solve inflation and other economic troubles. Jimmy Carter portrayed himself as a "common" President, but his inexperience hurt him when he had to deal with inflation and an energy crisis. Cultural and demographical changes in the 1970s had long-lasting effects on politics and society in the United States.
Chapter Outline
Section 1: Nixon and the Watergate Scandal
Section 2: The Ford and Carter Years
Section 3: Foreign Policy Troubles