America: Pathways to the Present
Chapter 25
Nixon, Ford, Carter
(1969–1981)
America: Pathways to the Present
Chapter 25: Nixon, Ford, Carter
Section 1: Nixon’s Domestic Policy
Section 2: Nixon’s Foreign Policy
Section 3: The Watergate Scandal
Section 4: The Ford Administration
Section 5: The Carter Administration
Nixon’s Domestic Policy
Chapter 25, Section 1
• How did Richard Nixon’s personality affect his
relationship with his staff?
• How did Nixon’s domestic policies differ from those of
his predecessors?
• How did Nixon apply his “southern strategy” to the
issue of civil rights and to his choice of Supreme
Court justices?
• Describe the first manned moon landing.
Nixon in Person
Chapter 25, Section 1
• Although he had a reserved and remote personality,
many Americans respected Nixon for his experience
and service.
• Nixon was willing to say or do anything to defeat his
enemies, who included political opponents, the
government bureaucracy, the press corps, and
leaders of the antiwar movement.
• Believing that the executive branch needed to be
strong, Nixon gathered a close circle of trusted
advisors around him.
Nixon’s Staff
Chapter 25, Section 1
Nixon’s Close Advisors
• H. R. Haldeman — After campaigning tirelessly for Nixon, advertising
executive H. R. Haldeman became Nixon’s chief of staff.
• John Ehrlichman — Lawyer John Ehrlichman served as Nixon’s
personal lawyer and rose to the post of chief domestic advisor.
• John Mitchell — Asked to be Attorney General after working with
Nixon’s campaign in New York, Mitchell often spoke with Nixon several
times a day.
• Henry Kissinger — Although he had no previous ties to Nixon,
Harvard government professor Henry Kissinger first became Nixon’s
national security advisor and later his Secretary of State.
Domestic Policy—Oil and Inflation
Chapter 25, Section 1
•
•
During Nixon’s first few years in office, unemployment and
inflation rose, and federal spending proved difficult to control. In
response, Nixon turned to the practice of deficit spending, or
spending more money in a year than the government receives in
revenues. He also imposed two price freezes lasting several
months each.
When the United States supported its ally Israel in a war against
Egypt and Syria in 1973, the Arab members of the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed an embargo, or
ban, on shipping oil to the United States. The resulting shortage
resulted in high oil prices, which in turn drove inflation even
higher.
Domestic Policy—Social Programs
Chapter 25, Section 1
• Although Nixon himself supported cutting back or
eliminating federal social programs, he did not want
to alienate those voters who favored them.
• Under Nixon’s New Federalism, states were asked to
assume greater responsibility for the well-being of
their citizens, taking some of this responsibility away
from the federal government.
The “Southern Strategy”
Chapter 25, Section 1
Nixon’s Views on Civil Rights
• Nixon did not support
advances in civil rights,
believing that to do so would
cost him the support of many
white southern voters.
• Hoping to win over white
southern Democrats, Nixon
sought a “southern strategy”
which would keep his
supporters happy.
Results of Nixon’s Views
• Nixon’s views resulted in a
slowdown of desegregation.
• Although Nixon tried to
prevent the extension of
certain provisions of the
Voting Rights Act of 1965,
Congress went ahead with
the extension.
• Busing to end segregation in
schools was slowed, but not
halted entirely, by Nixon’s
opposition to it.
Nixon’s Supreme Court
Chapter 25, Section 1
• During Nixon’s first term in office, four of the nine
Supreme Court justices either died, resigned, or
retired. This gave him the opportunity to name four
new justices and, thus, reshape the court.
• Warren Burger, Nixon’s choice for Chief Justice, was a
moderate. However, Nixon’s later appointees
reflected his conservative views.
• The Senate rejected two of Nixon’s nominees from the
South, charging that they showed racial bias.
The First Moon Landing
Chapter 25, Section 1
• During Nixon’s presidency, the United States achieved
its goal of a successful moon landing.
• On July 20, 1969, Neil A. Armstrong became the first
man to walk on the moon. He was joined by Edwin E.
“Buzz” Aldrin, Jr., a fellow crewman on the Apollo 11
spacecraft.
• Television viewers around the world watched the
moon landing, and Apollo 11’s crew were treated as
heroes when they returned.
Nixon’s Domestic Policy—Assessment
Chapter 25, Section 1
Which of these was an effect of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo?
(A) Rising oil prices drove inflation higher.
(B) Many social programs became the responsibility of the states.
(C) Busing to desegregate schools became more widespread.
(D) Nixon was able to name four new Supreme Court justices.
What was Nixon’s “southern strategy”?
(A) a way to balance the federal budget
(B) an attempt to win the support of white southern Democrats
(C) the name of the first moon mission
(D) an effort to end segregation
Nixon’s Domestic Policy—Assessment
Chapter 25, Section 1
Which of these was an effect of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo?
(A) Rising oil prices drove inflation higher.
(B) Many social programs became the responsibility of the states.
(C) Busing to desegregate schools became more widespread.
(D) Nixon was able to name four new Supreme Court justices.
What was Nixon’s “southern strategy”?
(A) a way to balance the federal budget
(B) an attempt to win the support of white southern Democrats
(C) the name of the first moon mission
(D) an effort to end segregation
Nixon’s Foreign Policy
Chapter 25, Section 2
• What role did Henry Kissinger play in relaxing
tensions between the United States and the major
Communist powers?
• What was Nixon’s policy toward the People’s Republic
of China?
• How did Nixon reach an agreement with the Soviet
Union on limiting nuclear arms?
Henry Kissinger
Chapter 25, Section 2
Practical Politics
• Kissinger admired the
European political philosophy
of realpolitik, or practical
politics. Under this policy,
nations make decisions
based on maintaining their
strength rather than on moral
principles.
• Kissinger applied a realpolitik
approach to his dealings with
China and the Soviet Union,
which led to better diplomatic
relations with both nations.
Public Opinion
• Kissinger understood the
power of the media and was
able to use it to shape public
opinion.
• Kissinger’s efforts in ending
the Vietnam War and easing
Cold War tensions made him
a celebrity. He topped a list
of most-admired Americans,
was often featured on the
cover of Time magazine, and
in 1973 shared the Nobel
peace prize.
Relaxing Tensions
Chapter 25, Section 2
Détente
• Although Nixon had built a
reputation as a strong antiCommunist, he and Kissinger
reversed the direction of
postwar American foreign
policy by holding talks with
China and the Soviet Union.
• Nixon and Kissinger’s
greatest accomplishment was
in bringing about détente, or
a relaxation in tensions,
between the United States
and these Communist
nations.
Complex Foreign Affairs
• Kissinger understood that
foreign affairs were more
complicated than just a
standoff between the United
States and communism.
• The Soviet Union and China,
once allies, had become bitter
enemies. This development
had the potential to reshape
global politics.
A New Approach to China
Chapter 25, Section 2
Easing Relations Between the United States and China
• Historical Background — After its Communist takeover in 1949, the United
States refused to recognize the People’s Republic of China, viewing the
government of Taiwan as the legitimate Chinese rulers.
• Steps to Ease Relations — During the early 1970s, relations eased
between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Nixon
referred to the nation by name, travel and trade restrictions were lifted,
and American table-tennis players visited China, beginning “Ping-Pong
diplomacy.”
• Nixon’s Visit to China — In February 1972, Nixon became the first
American President to visit China. Touring Chinese sites in front of
television cameras, Nixon established the basis for future diplomatic ties
during his visit.
• Recognizing the Chinese Government — The United States decided to join
other nations in recognizing the Chinese government. In October 1971,
Taiwan lost its seat in the United Nations to the People’s Republic of
China.
Limiting Nuclear Arms
Chapter 25, Section 2
•
•
•
Nixon viewed arms control as a vital part of his foreign policy.
Although he had taken office planning to build more nuclear
weapons, Nixon came to believe that achieving balance between
the superpowers was a better strategy than an increasing nuclear
arms race.
In 1972, the United States and the Soviet Union signed the first
Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, known as SALT I. In this treaty,
both nations agreed to freeze the number of certain types of
missiles at 1972 levels.
SALT I demonstrated that arms control agreements between the
superpowers were possible. However, it did not reduce the
number of weapons that either nation possessed, nor did it halt
the development of conventional weapon technologies.
Nixon’s Foreign Policy—Assessment
Chapter 25, Section 2
Which of these definitions best describes realpolitik?
(A) An understanding of the power of the media to shape public opinion
(B) A push to end the arms race
(C) A relaxation in international tensions
(D) A political policy that advocates national strength above moral
issues
What effect did Nixon’s 1972 visit to China have on American foreign policy?
(A) It began the practice of “Ping-Pong diplomacy.”
(B) It established the basis for diplomatic ties with China.
(C) It eased relations with the Soviet Union.
(D) It resulted in a freeze on certain types of nuclear weapons.
Nixon’s Foreign Policy—Assessment
Chapter 25, Section 2
Which of these definitions best describes realpolitik?
(A) An understanding of the power of the media to shape public opinion
(B) A push to end the arms race
(C) A relaxation in international tensions
(D) A political policy that advocates national strength above moral
issues
What effect did Nixon’s 1972 visit to China have on American foreign policy?
(A) It began the practice of “Ping-Pong diplomacy.”
(B) It established the basis for diplomatic ties with China.
(C) It eased relations with the Soviet Union.
(D) It resulted in a freeze on certain types of nuclear weapons.
The Watergate Scandal
Chapter 25, Section 3
• How did the Nixon White House battle its political
enemies?
• How did the Committee to Reelect the President
conduct itself during Nixon’s reelection campaign?
• What was the Watergate break-in, and how did the
story of the scandal unfold?
• What events led directly to Nixon’s resignation?
Battling Political Enemies
Chapter 25, Section 3
•
•
•
•
Nixon’s suspicious and secretive nature caused the White House to
operate as if it were surrounded by political enemies. One result of this
mind-set was the creation of an “enemies list,” a list of prominent people
seen as unsympathetic to the administration.
When someone in the National Security Council appeared to have leaked
secret government information to the New York Times, Nixon ordered that
wiretaps, or listening devices, be installed on the telephones of some
news reporters and members of his staff.
Leaks to the press continued, including former Defense Department
official Daniel Ellsberg’s leak of the Pentagon Papers, a government study
that revealed widespread deception about the situation in Vietnam.
In response, Nixon organized a special White House unit, nicknamed the
Plumbers, to stop government leaks. In September 1971, the Plumbers
broke into the office of Ellsberg’s psychiatrist, hoping to punish Ellsberg
by disclosing damaging personal information about him.
Nixon’s Reelection Campaign
Chapter 25, Section 3
Campaign Funding
• The Committee to Reelect the
President, led by John Mitchell,
aimed to collect as much
campaign money as possible
before a new law required such
contributions to be reported.
• The money that the Committee
collected was intended to fund
both routine campaign activities
and secret unethical actions.
“Dirty Tricks”
• Attempts to sabotage Nixon’s
political opponents came to be
known as “dirty tricks.” These
efforts included sending hecklers
to disrupt Democratic campaign
meetings and assigning spies to
join the campaigns of opposing
candidates.
• One particularly damaging “dirty
trick” involved a faked letter that
seriously hurt the candidacy of
Edmund Muskie, a leading
Democratic presidential
contender.
The Watergate Break-In
Chapter 25, Section 3
• In March 1972, a group within the Committee to Reelect the
President made plans to wiretap the phones at the
Democratic National Committee Headquarters at the
Watergate apartment complex in Washington, D.C. This
group was led by E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy.
• The group’s first attempt failed. During their second
attempt on June 17, 1972, five men were arrested. The
money they carried was traced directly to Nixon’s reelection
campaign, linking the break-in to the campaign.
• The break-in and the coverup which resulted became
known as the Watergate scandal.
The Watergate Coverup
Chapter 25, Section 3
• Although Nixon had not been involved in the break-in,
he became involved in its coverup. He illegally
authorized the CIA to try to persuade the FBI to stop
its investigation of the break-in, on the grounds that
the matter involved “national security.”
• Nixon advisors launched a scheme to bribe the
Watergate defendants into silence, as well as
coaching them on how to lie in court.
• During the months following the break-in, the incident
was barely noticed by the public. Nixon won the 1972
election by a landslide.
The Scandal Unfolds
Chapter 25, Section 3
The Watergate Trial
• At the trial of the Watergate
burglars in early 1973, all the
defendants either pleaded guilty
or were found guilty.
• Judge John J. Sirica, presiding
over the trial, was not convinced
that the full story had been told.
He sentenced the burglars to
long prison terms, suggesting
that their terms could be reduced
if they cooperated with upcoming
Senate hearings on Watergate.
Woodward and Bernstein
• Two young Washington Post
reporters, Bob Woodward and
Carl Bernstein, were influential in
tracking down information to
uncover the Watergate story.
• Woodward and Bernstein
believed that the White House
would prove to be involved in the
Watergate scandal.
The Scandal Unfolds
Chapter 25, Section 3
The Senate Investigates
• Aided by Woodward and
Bernstein and by the testimony of
one of the Watergate burglars, a
Senate Select Committee on
Presidential Campaign Activities
began to investigate the
Watergate affair.
• Millions of Americans watched
the Senate hearings unfold on
national television.
• Nixon attempted to protect
himself by forcing two top aides
to resign and by proclaiming that
he would take final responsibility
for the mistakes of others.
A Secret Taping System
• During the Senate hearings,
Alexander Butterfield, a former
presidential assistant, revealed
the existence of a secret taping
system in the President’s office.
• The taping system had been set
up to provide a historical record
of Nixon’s presidency. Now it
could be used to show whether
or not Nixon had been involved in
the Watergate coverup.
The “Saturday Night Massacre”
Chapter 25, Section 3
• In an effort to demonstrate his honesty, in May 1973
Nixon agreed to the appointment of a special
prosecutor for the Watergate affair. A special
prosecutor works for the Justice Department and
conducts an investigation into claims of wrongdoing
by government officials.
• The Watergate special prosecutor, Archibald Cox,
insisted that Nixon release the White House tapes.
Nixon ordered him fired on Saturday, October 20,
1973, beginning a series of resignations and firings
that became known as the “Saturday Night
Massacre.”
An Administration in Jeopardy
Chapter 25, Section 3
Problems in the Nixon Administration, 1973–1974
• Nixon’s public approval rating plummeted after his firing of
Cox.
• When Cox’s replacement, Leon Jaworski, also requested
that Nixon turn over the tapes, Nixon turned over edited
transcripts instead. Feelings of anger and disillusionment
arose among many who read them.
• Vice President Spiro Agnew, accused of evading income
taxes and taking bribes, resigned in early October 1973.
His successor, Gerald Ford, was not confirmed until two
months later.
Impeachment Hearings and Nixon’s
Resignation
Chapter 25, Section 3
• After the Saturday Night Massacre, Congress began the
process of determining if they should impeach the
President, or charge him with misconduct while in office.
• In the summer of 1974, the House Judiciary Committee
voted to impeach Nixon on numerous charges. Conviction,
and removal from office, seemed likely.
• On August 5, 1974, Nixon released the White House tapes,
with an 18 1/2 minute gap. Even with this gap, the tapes
revealed his involvement in the Watergate coverup. On
August 9, 1974, Nixon resigned, the first President ever to
do so. Gerald Ford was sworn in as the new President.
The Watergate Scandal—Assessment
Chapter 25, Section 3
Why did members of the Committee to Reelect the President break into the
Watergate apartment complex in 1972?
(A) To cover up an increasing scandal
(B) To raise undocumented campaign funds
(C) To prevent Nixon from turning over tapes
(D) To wiretap phones of the Democratic National Committee
Which statement best describes Nixon’s role in the Watergate affair?
(A) He was involved in the break-in but not the coverup.
(B) He was involved in the coverup but not the break-in.
(C) He was involved in both the break-in and the coverup.
(D) He was involved in neither the break-in nor the coverup.
The Watergate Scandal—Assessment
Chapter 25, Section 3
Why did members of the Committee to Reelect the President break into the
Watergate apartment complex in 1972?
(A) To cover up an increasing scandal
(B) To raise undocumented campaign funds
(C) To prevent Nixon from turning over tapes
(D) To wiretap phones of the Democratic National Committee
Which statement best describes Nixon’s role in the Watergate affair?
(A) He was involved in the break-in but not the coverup.
(B) He was involved in the coverup but not the break-in.
(C) He was involved in both the break-in and the coverup.
(D) He was involved in neither the break-in nor the coverup.
The Ford Administration
Chapter 25, Section 4
• How did Gerald Ford become President, and why did
he pardon Richard Nixon?
• What economic problems did the Ford administration
face?
• What actions in foreign policy did President Ford take
during his term?
• How did Americans celebrate the nation’s
bicentennial?
Ford Becomes President
Chapter 25, Section 4
• When Gerald Ford took over the Presidency following
Nixon’s resignation, he was viewed as a popular and
noncontroversial political figure.
• Ford named New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller
as Vice President, rounding off an administration in
which neither the President nor the Vice President
had been elected.
The Nixon Pardon
Chapter 25, Section 4
• At the beginning of Ford’s presidency, Time magazine
noted “a mood of good feeling and even exhilaration
in Washington.” However, this was soon to change.
• A month after Nixon’s resignation, Ford pardoned the
former President for “all offenses” he might have
committed, avoiding future prosecution. This
decision proved to be unpopular, both among the
general public and among Nixon loyalists still facing
prosecution. As a result, many Republicans were
voted out of office in the 1974 congressional
elections.
Economic Problems
Chapter 25, Section 4
The Economy Stalls
• Preoccupation with Watergate
had prevented Nixon from
dealing with the economy. By
1974, both inflation and
unemployment were rising,
making the economy stagnant.
Economists named this situation
stagflation.
• Although Ford tried to restore
public confidence in the economy
with the voluntary “Whip Inflation
Now,” or WIN program, he later
recognized the need for more
direct action.
Government Spending and Conflicts
With Congress
• Although Ford was generally
against government spending,
he supported an increase in
unemployment benefits and a tax
cut in an effort to help the
economy.
• Ford was often at odds with the
Democratic-controlled Congress,
which wanted the government to
take a more active role in the
economy. In response to Ford’s
vetoes, Congress created the
highest percentage of veto
overrides since the 1850s.
Foreign Policy–Southeast Asia
Chapter 25, Section 4
•
•
•
When North Vietnam began a new offensive against the South in
the spring of 1975, Ford asked for military aid to help South
Vietnam. However, both Congress and the American people were
against further involvement in Vietnam.
To prevent such involvement, Congress was prepared the invoke
the War Powers Act, a Nixon-era law limiting the President’s ability
to involve the United States in foreign conflicts without receiving a
formal declaration of war from Congress.
When Communist Cambodia captured the American merchant
ship Mayaguez, Ford sent the marines to recapture the ship.
Forty-one American lives were lost in the effort, but the incident
dispelled impressions of American weakness in Southeast Asia.
Foreign Policy - Asia, Europe, and Africa
Chapter 25, Section 4
• Asia — Ford continued Nixon’s goals of friendship
with China and was the first American President to
visit Japan.
• Europe and the Soviet Union — In 1975, Ford signed
the Helsinki Accords, a series of agreements on
European security. He also continued Strategic Arms
Limitation Talks (SALT) with the Soviet Union.
• Africa — Ford’s administration aimed to develop
relationships with African countries newly
independent from colonial rule.
The Nation’s Birthday
Chapter 25, Section 4
• America’s bicentennial, or 200th anniversary,
provided Americans, discouraged by Watergate,
Vietnam, and the economy, an opportunity to
celebrate.
• Parades, concerts, air shows, political speeches, and
fireworks took place on and around July 4, 1976, the
200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
Independence.
The Ford Administration—Assessment
Chapter 25, Section 4
Why did Ford’s popularity fall soon after his term began?
(A) Americans did not like having a non-elected President.
(B) His pardon of Nixon proved to be unpopular.
(C) His WIN program became highly effective.
(D) He began to develop ties with newly-independent nations.
Which of these topics was an issue on which Ford and Congress disagreed?
(A) The level of government spending on economic programs
(B) Celebration of the bicentennial
(C) The signing of the Helsinki Accords
(D) The recapture of the Mayaguez
The Ford Administration—Assessment
Chapter 25, Section 4
Why did Ford’s popularity fall soon after his term began?
(A) Americans did not like having a non-elected President.
(B) His pardon of Nixon proved to be unpopular.
(C) His WIN program became highly effective.
(D) He began to develop ties with newly-independent nations.
Which of these topics was an issue on which Ford and Congress disagreed?
(A) The level of government spending on economic programs
(B) Celebration of the bicentennial
(C) The signing of the Helsinki Accords
(D) The recapture of the Mayaguez
The Carter Administration
Chapter 25, Section 5
• What changes did Jimmy Carter bring to the
presidency?
• How did Carter deal with domestic issues?
• What ideals guided Carter’s foreign policy?
• What factors influenced the outcome of the 1980
election?
Carter’s Presidency
Chapter 25, Section 5
• Although Gerald Ford had the advantage of being the
incumbent, or current office holder, he faced strong
opposition from Republicans inside his own party
during the 1976 presidential election. Democrat
James Earl (“Jimmy”) Carter won the election by a
narrow margin.
• Carter had no national political experience and lacked
an ability to win reluctant politicians over to his side.
Nevertheless, he was well-liked for his informal
approach to the presidency.
• As President, Carter appointed more women and
minorities to his staff than previous administrations.
Carter’s Domestic Policies–Economic Issues
and Deregulation
Chapter 25, Section 5
Economic Issues
• Carter had inherited an unstable
economy in which inflation and
unemployment continued to
grow.
• In response, Carter cut federal
spending, mostly on social
programs. This cut angered
liberal Democrats.
• As bond prices fell and interest
rates rose, Americans lost
confidence in Carter and his
economic advisors.
Deregulation
• Carter felt that government
controls on certain industries,
put in place in the 1800s and
early 1900s, hurt competition and
increased consumer costs.
• His move toward deregulation,
the reduction or removal of
government controls, affected the
energy, railroad, trucking, and
airline industries. This move,
which continued during the next
two administrations, also
angered many Democrats.
Energy Issues
Chapter 25, Section 5
Energy Issues During Carter’s Presidency
• Carter’s Energy Plan — To save on rising oil prices, Carter asked
Americans to conserve fuel in their homes, cars, and businesses. He
also created a new Cabinet department, the Department of Energy.
• Response to Carter’s Energy Plan — States that produced oil and
gas fiercely opposed Carter’s conservation plans. The National Energy
Act, passed in 1978, incorporated many of Carter’s directives.
• Alternative Energy Sources and Three Mile Island — One of
Carter’s goals was to seek alternative energy sources. A partial
meltdown of a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island near Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, eroded people’s confidence in nuclear power.
Civil Rights Issues
Chapter 25, Section 5
•
•
•
Carter’s concern for moral values influenced his civil rights
actions. Soon after taking office, he granted amnesty, or a general
pardon, to those who had evaded the draft during the Vietnam
War.
Many of Carter’s staff appointments won the approval of African
Americans. However, many African Americans were disappointed
by his weak support for social programs.
Affirmative action policies, which aimed to make up for past
discrimination against women and minorities, were a controversial
issue during Carter’s presidency. In the landmark case Regents of
the University of California v. Bakke, the Supreme Court ruled that
race could be a factor in school admissions but that numerical
quotas could not be used.
Carter’s Foreign Policy
Chapter 25, Section 5
Camp David Accords
• In 1978, Carter brought Egyptian
President Anwar el-Sadat and
Israeli Prime Minister Menachem
Begin together for negotiations at
Camp David.
• The resulting framework for
Middle East peace, known as the
Camp David Accords, was an
important step toward peace in
the Middle East. Under its terms,
Israel agreed to withdraw from
the Sinai Peninsula, and Egypt
became the first Arab country to
recognize Israel officially.
Soviet-American Relations
• Although détente was at a high
point when Carter took office, by
the end of his term it was
effectively dead.
• Soviets were angered by Carter’s
support of Soviet dissidents,
writers and other activists who
criticized the actions of their
government.
• Although a second round of
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks
(SALT II) was begun, the resulting
treaty was never ratified. Still,
both nations followed its terms.
Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
Chapter 25, Section 5
• Late in 1979, the Soviet Union invaded neighboring
Afghanistan to bolster a Soviet-supported
government there. Carter called the invasion “a clear
threat to the peace” and took steps to show American
disapproval of the Soviet aggression.
• As one of these steps, Carter imposed a boycott on
the 1980 summer Olympic Games to be held in
Moscow. Sixty other nations eventually joined the
boycott.
The Iran Hostage Crisis
Chapter 25, Section 5
• In January 1979, revolution broke out in Iran, replacing its
pro-American shah, Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlevi, with
Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini, an anti-Western leader.
• When Carter allowed the displaced shah to enter the United
States for medical treatment, angry Khomeini followers
seized the American embassy in Tehran, Iran’s capital.
Fifty-two Americans were taken hostage and moved from
place to place over the course of 444 days.
• Carter’s failed attempts to secure the hostages’ freedom
decreased his popularity and made his chances for
reelection appear slim.
The 1980 Election
Chapter 25, Section 5
• By the end of Carter’s term, his administration had
lost the confidence of many Americans. Although
Carter ran for reelection, the nation instead chose
conservative Republican candidate Ronald Reagan by
a landslide.
• In early 1981, following months of secret talks, Iran
agreed to release the hostages. President Reagan
sent Carter to greet the hostages as they arrived at a
U.S. military base in West Germany.
The Carter Administration—Assessment
Chapter 25, Section 5
Why was Carter in favor of deregulation?
(A) His energy conservation plan called for it.
(B) He believed that deregulation would improve affirmative action.
(C) He felt that government controls raised consumer costs.
(D) Many liberal Democrats were in favor of it.
Which of the following marked an end to American-Soviet détente?
(A) The signing of the Camp David Accords
(B) The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the resulting widespread
boycott of the Olympic Games
(C) The Iranian seizure of the American embassy in Tehran
(D) The ratification of the SALT II treaty
The Carter Administration—Assessment
Chapter 25, Section 5
Why was Carter in favor of deregulation?
(A) His energy conservation plan called for it.
(B) He believed that deregulation would improve affirmative action.
(C) He felt that government controls raised consumer costs.
(D) Many liberal Democrats were in favor of it.
Which of the following marked an end to American-Soviet détente?
(A) The signing of the Camp David Accords
(B) The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the resulting widespread
boycott of the Olympic Games
(C) The Iranian seizure of the American embassy in Tehran
(D) The ratification of the SALT II treaty