Notes Ch. 40 The Stalemated Seventies 1968- 1980 “Credibility Gap” gets bigger***
“In all my years of public life, I have never obstructed justice. People have got to know whether or not
their President is a crook. Well, I’m not a crook; I earned everything I’ve got.” Richard Nixon, 1973
Theme(s):
-As the war in Vietnam finally came to a disastrous conclusion, the United States struggled to create a
more stable international climate. Détente with the two communist powers temporarily reduced Cold
War tensions, but trouble in the Middle East threatened America’s energy supplies and economic
stability.
- Weakened by political difficulties of their own and others’ making, the administrations of the 1970s had
trouble coping with America’s growing economic problems. The public also had trouble facing up to a
sharp sense of limits and a general disillusionment with society. With the notable exception of the
successful feminist movement, the social reform efforts of the 1960s fractured and stalled, as the country
settled into a frustrating and politically divisive stalemate.
Summary:
Nixon’s “Vietnamization” policy reduced American ground participation in the war, but
his Cambodia invasion sparked massive protest. Nixon’s journeys to Communist Moscow
and Beijing (Peking) established a new rapprochement with these powers. In domestic policy, Nixon and
the Supreme Court promoted affirmative action and environmental protection.
The 1972 election victory and the cease-fire in Vietnam were negated when Nixon became bogged down
in the Watergate scandal and congressional protest over the secret bombing of Cambodia, which led to
the War Powers Act. The Middle East War of 1973 and the Arab oil embargo created energy and
economic difficulties that lasted through the decade. Americans gradually awoke to their costly and
dangerous dependence on Middle Eastern oil, and began to take tentative steps toward conservation and
alternative energy sources.
Non-elected Gerald Ford took over after Watergate forced Nixon to resign. The Communist Vietnamese
finally overran the South Vietnamese government in 1975. The defeat in Vietnam added to a general
sense of disillusionment with society and a new sense of limits on American power. The civil rights
movement fractured, and divisive issues of busing and affirmative action enhanced racial tensions. The
most successful social movement was feminism, which achieved widespread social breakthroughs though
failing to pass the Equal Rights Amendment.
Campaigning against Washington and Watergate, outsider Jimmy Carter proved unable to master
Congress or the economy once he took office. The Camp David agreement brought peace
between Egypt and Israel, but the Iranian revolution led to new energy troubles. The invasion
of Afghanistan and the holding of American hostages in Iran added to Carter’s woes.
HISTORIC NOTES
· Responding to anti-war protests, Nixon puts forth a plan called VIETNAMIZATION, to gradually
withdraw US forces [NIXON DOCTRINE] while preparing the South Vietnamese to carry out the
fight. With US involvement in Vietnam seemingly coming to an end, Nixon wins reelection handily,
IN 1972, [SOUTHERN STRATEGY] against Senator George McGovern. In 1974, Nixon is the first
president ever to resign [WATERGATE] – he faced impeachment for covering up a burglary by his
campaign committee.
· Nixon visits China [PING-PONG DIPLOMACY], a surprise to many. He later visits the USSR, and is
able to work out with the Soviet leadership agreements to reduce nuclear arms[SALT TREATY].
· It is revealed that while Nixon claimed to be winding down the Vietnam War he had secretly
expanded it by ordering the bombing of neutral Cambodia to attack North Vietnamese troops that
had taken refuge there.[KENT ST. AND JACKSON ST. PROTESTS] Even after the 1973 cease-fire
with N. Vietnam, Nixon continued attacks on communist positions despite Congressional calls for
cessation of the bombing. · The War Powers Act of 1973 became a congressional imperative given
the undeclared war in Vietnam and President Nixon’s decision to bomb Cambodia, a neutral nation.
-GERALD FORD becomes the “only President to serve that was not elected,” –he is appointed as
Nixon’s VP when Nixon’s 1st VP, Spiro Agnew, was removed due to a conviction for taking bribes,
then becomes President when Nixon resigns due to the Watergate scandal.
· Outraged by US support of Israel, Arab nations retaliate by imposing an OIL EMBARGO on the US.
· Looking at a fresh political face, an outsider untainted by Washington politics, the Democrats
nominate GA Governor Jimmy Carter, who wins the presidency in 1976. The crowning achievement
of Carter’s administration is the Camp David Agreement[Israel and Egypt], which offers hope for
peace in the Mideast. But economic problems, energy concerns, huge federal and trade deficits,
and what critics see as an amateurish foreign policy sap support for the administration.
Quotes:
“The deepest international conflict in the world today is not between us and the Soviet Union, but
between the Soviet Union and Communist China.… Therefore, one of the positive prospects in the current
situation is that, whatever the basic intentions of Soviet leaders, confronted with the prospect of a China
growing in strength…they may want a period of détente in the West.” Henry Kissinger, Secretary of
State, 1993
“As long as I have a mind to think, a tongue to speak, and a heart to love my country, I shall deny that the
Constitution confers any autocratic power on the President, or authorizes him to convert George
Washington’s America into Caesar’s Rome.… When all is said, the only sure antidote for future
Watergates is understanding of fundamental principles and intellectual and moral integrity in the men
and women who achieve or are entrusted with governmental or political power.” (Report of Senate
Watergate Committee, 1974) Sen. (NC) Sam Ervin, Chair of the Senate Watergate Comm.
Intro
The long economic boom, which began in the post WWII era and lasted throughout the 1950s and 1960s
ends in the 1970s. Productivity gains slowed dramatically—the ENTIRE DECADE OF THE 70S—
productivity gains did not equal ONE YEARS GAINS FROM THE LAST 20 YEARS***
The median income of the average American family STAGNATED and only failed to decline due to the
addition of WORKING WIVES INCOMES.
AMERICANS BEGAN TO SENSE THEIR “LIMITS.”
Sources of Stagnation—the 70s economic trends***
“Stagnation,”- a prolonged period of slow or no economic growth usually accompanied by high
unemployment.
“Stagflation,”- following the 1973 oil crisis, characterized by the combination of low economic growth,
High Inflation, and high interest rates.
Causes in the slump in productivity:
- Increase of Women and Teenagers in the workforce, who with less skills in service oriented jobs do not
produce…
- Declining investment in new machinery (keeping up with technology)
- High costs of compliance with new Environmental, Health, and Safety regulations
- The general trend shifting from a Manufacturing based economy to the Service based economy
- The Vietnam Wars high cost drained tax dollars –took scientific and manufacturing skills from the
civilian sector and focused these on Defense spending---naturally inflationary
- Sharp increase in Oil Prices (especially after 1973 Oil Embargo)
- Sharp increase in spending on Social Programs (Great Society) also inherently inflationary
******Military and Social Spending is inherently inflationary--[because they put dollars in the hands of
the people without adding to the supply of goods that those dollars can buy]
With too many dollars chasing too few goods prices rise---THE COST OF LIVING TRIPLES IN THE 1970s—
The longest and steepest inflationary cycle in American History***
Families incomes from 1970 until today has stayed the same accounting for inflation---remember that it had
doubled twice---once in the 1950s and once in the 1960s***
Other issues causing problems:
-American Businesses had little competition after WWII---but by the 1970s the industrial world had built
new factories with updated technology—while US businesses had grown fat and complacent and took the
profits without reinvesting in improving their factories etc--Steel, Automobiles, and Consumer Electronics began to be dominated by foreign companies--The combination of an unpopular War (Vietnam) and a stagnating economy heralded the end of our selfconfident postwar era---and a huge conflict lay on the horizon---could the USA continue to support the
enormous GOVT and Social Programs instituted in the 1930s through the 1960s??? it is a conflict that is
still prevalent today 
Nixon “Vietnamizes” the War***
“Tricky Dick” is inaugurated to his 1st term as President in January, 1969.
“In these difficult years, America has suffered from a fever of words; from inflated rhetoric that promises
more than it can deliver; from angry rhetoric that fans discontents into hatreds; from bombastic rhetoric
that postures instead of persuading. We cannot learn from one another until we stop shouting at one
another, until we speak quietly enough so that our words can be heard as well as our voices.”
Nixon, 69’
The American people were torn with dissension---Nixon seemed like an unlikely conciliator—Yet he
brought with him strength in Foreign Policy---and he began to apply this strength immediately.
His first priority was Vietnam. Over 300 American Soldiers were dying EACH WEEK when Nixon became
President in 1969***
Vietnamization**** was his plan—to withdraw over ½ a million US troops over a period of time so
that the South Vietnamese—with American $$$, weapons, training, and advice could then take
over the burden of winning THEIR WAR…
His next pronouncement was a shocker---and was a change from the previous 4 Presidents and 25 years
of USAs Cold War policy to go anywhere to defend those peoples in the world who were threatened by
communism---THE NIXON DOCTRINE***-proclaimed that: The USA would honor its existing defensive
commitments BUT that in the FUTURE others would have to fight their own wars WITHOUT THE
SUPPORT OF LARGE #S OF AMERICAN TROOPS. These announcements still did not satisfy the “doves,”
who in October of 1969 launched large protests across America for immediate withdrawal from Vietnam.
Nixon in response to the waves of protest goes on national TV:
The “Silent Majority”*** Speech***
“Tonight I want to talk to you on a subject of deep concern to all Americans and to many people in all
parts of the world–the war in Vietnam…
-I believe that one of the reasons for the deep division about Vietnam is that many Americans have lost
confidence in what their Government has told them about our policy. The American people cannot and
should not be asked to support a policy, which involves the overriding issues of war and peace unless
they know the truth about that policy… [Addresses the “Credibility Gap”]
… there were some who urged that I end the war at once by ordering the immediate withdrawal of all
American forces… But…I had to think of the effect of my decision on the next generation and on the
future of peace and freedom in America and in the world… The great question is: How can we win
America’s peace?[response to “doves”]
-For the United States, this first defeat in our Nation’s history would result in a collapse of confidence in
American leadership, not only in Asia but also throughout the world. A nation cannot remain great
if it betrays its allies and lets down its friends.
-Now let me turn, however, to a more encouraging report… a major shift in U.S. foreign
policy…described as the Nixon Doctrine-a policy which not only will help end the war in Vietnam, but
which is an essential element of our program to prevent future Vietnams… we shall look to the nation
directly threatened to assume the primary responsibility of providing the manpower for its defense… The
defense of freedom is everybody’s business-not just America’s business. And it is particularly the
responsibility of the people whose freedom is threatened…[Vietnamization in practice]
-If a vocal minority, however fervent its cause, prevails over reason and the will of the majority, this
Nation has no future as a free society… Let historians not record that when America was the most
powerful nation in the world we passed on the other side of the road and allowed the last hopes for peace
and freedom of millions of people to be suffocated by the forces of totalitarianism.
And so tonight-to you, the great silent majority of my fellow Americans-I ask for your support…
-Let us be united for peace. Let us also be united against defeat. Because let us understand: North
Vietnam cannot defeat or humiliate the United States. Only Americans can do that.”[a jab to the
anti-war activists –whom he accuses of humiliating the USA---“non-patriotic”]
Nixon’s speech was deeply divisive—and he names the group that supports his policies the “SILENT
MAJORITY.” By 1970, Vietnam had become the longest “conflict” in American History—over 40,000 –
so far—had died---and over 250,000 had been wounded—and very unpopular at home and among the
soldiers in Vietnam—Morale had sunk---especially after the revelation in 1970 of an American Massacre
of over 400 Women and Children at the village of My Lai in 1968***
Despite Nixon’s spoken intention to lessen the American presence in Vietnam---HE BEGINS TO secretly
bomb the neighboring country of Cambodia.****{primarily the Ho Chi Minh Trail}
Cambodianizing the Vietnam War***
For several years the North Vietnamese (communists) and the Viet-Cong (S.Vietnamese Communists) had
been using Cambodia—borders S. Vietnam on the West—as a springboard for troops, weapons, and
supplies—(the Ho Chi Minh Trail) –in April, 1970 Nixon orders a combined effort to infiltrate Cambodia
in an attempt to wipe out enemy camps along the trail.
American Students nationwide responded to the Cambodian Invasion with protests---Kent St. (Ohio)
armed national guardsmen attack the protesters killing 4 students and wounding many others---@
Jackson St. in Mississippi—highway patrolmen fired at a student dormitory killing 2---- Riots ensued and
again the nation BURNED.*****
The Cambodian invasion was ended after 2 months---but increased the tension between “Hawks and
Doves” considerably** in CONGRESS --- reflecting this growing disillusionment with the
“IMPERIAL PRESIDENT” (the presidents power to send troops anywhere for any amount of time
without congressional approval due to the power assumed by some Presidents from the
Constitution where it gives them control of the Military as “Commander in Chief”) SO THE Senate
repeals THE “GULF OF TONKIN RESOLUTION” --passed for LBJ in 64’---Congress was trying to seek
ways to curb-restrain Nixon in his War-Making Powers--By 1971 the youth were rallying in massive anti-war demonstrations around the country—Nixon
attempts to pacify these rallies—by supporting the 26th Amendment---which reduces the voting
age from 21 to 18***** and reducing the eligibility for the Draft Lottery from an 8 year window to
a 1 year window of eligibility--
However the “CREDIBILITY GAP”**** –WIDENS –with the publication of the
“PENATAGON PAPERS,”**** in the NY Times in 1971--- The PP was a study commissioned by the
Department of Defense about the USAs participation in Vietnam from 1945 until 1967—under Presidents
Truman, Eisenhower, JFK, and LBJ*** Daniel Ellsberg, an employee of RAND [a non-profit
global policy research institute that worked for the department of defense and financed by
the US Gov’t and private donors—“a think tank”] in 1971 discovered this study and
released it to the press/NY TIMES—to be published---“a whistleblower.” The pp proved
that the Johnson Administration had “systematically lied, not only to the public BUT
ALSO TO CONGRESS,” specifically about intrusions into Cambodia, North Vietnam,
Laos---etc---none of which was ever reported to the media or Congress—AND
DETAILED THE “BIG LIE” THE GULF OF TONKIN INCIDENT---The NY Times began publishing
this document in installments---NIXON ATTEMPTS TO STOP THE NYTIMES FROM PUBLISHING Using
his “Executive Authority”—due to the “top secret” classification and “NATIONAL SECURITY” —after 3
articles---New York Times v. United States, (1971) –The Supreme Court (now led by Chief Justice
Warren Burger) ruled in a 6-3 decision that the Federal Government had not shown any justification
for this report to not be printed and rejected Nixon’s request to stop the release of the papers—due
to the 1st amendments protection of a “FREE PRESS.” A HUGE VICTORY FOR THE MEDIA OVER THE
GOV’T and “Executive Authority.”*****
Nixon’s Détente***(lessening of tensions) With Beijing (China) and Moscow
(USSR)*** also called “Ping-Pong” Diplomacy**** (see Forrest Gump  )
Maybe Nixon’s Greatest Achievement**** Huge****
Nixon was in a bind---he had to find a way out of Vietnam “with honor,” and the pressures of the
growing anti-war movement was getting worse by the day--- Nixon knew that the USSR and China
had become RIVALS*** and he could use this RIVALRY to our advantage*** in order to get them to
put pressure on Ho Chi Minh and the North Vietnamese---because they were supporting the North
Vietnamese with Cash, Training, and Weapons---National Security Advisor—later Secretary of State—and IMMENSLY POPULAR—HARVARD
PROFESSOR---DR. HENRY KISSINGER--- (Many spoke of making an exception to the clause of
Birth in the USA to become President to allow Kissinger to run for the Presidency—he was born in
Austria and come to the USA as a child to escape the Nazi’s) DR. Kissinger had begun to secretly meet
with the North Vietnamese in Paris in 1969 in an attempt to negotiate an end to the war in Vietnam.
He then proposed to Nixon the strategy of using the USSR v. China---to get them to pressure N.
Vietnam into PEACE.
NIXON VISISTS CHINA IN 1972---(a shock due to Nixon’s previous “Red Hunter” tough
talk against communism) –(a USA Ping-Pong team  traveled with Nixon as a cultural
exchange) NIXON, LATER IN 1972, TRAVELS TO THE USSR---*****Nixon in these two exchanges is able to persuade them to put pressure on N.
Vietnam to end the war---The USA uses FOOD  {Wheat, corn and other cereals 750
million$$$ worth} and its threat to ally with China to persuade the Soviet Union to act
on our behalf with N. Vietnam—DENTENTE ---IS ALSO ACCOMPLISHED by the signing
of a Nuclear Arms (ABM) Treaty and the (SALT I) agreement****these massive treaties
were the FIRST MEANINGFUL TREATIES SIGNED DURING THE COLD WAR TO LESSEN
THE THREAT OF NUCLEAR WAR--ABM- anti-ballistic missiles
SALT-Strategic Arms Limitation Talks
These Foreign Policy actions of Nixon with the USSR and China is perhaps his greatest
Achievement****
Note:***Despite these treaties the “ARMS RACE” continues and by the end of the 1980s
each side had over 16,000 Nuclear Warheads deployed—(under a 1,000 in 1953)
A New Team on the Supreme Bench*** (change***)—Roe v. Wade, 73’
(abortion ruling)***reflecting the growing power of the Women’s
Movement along with Title IX of the Education Act.***
Nixon appoints 4 new “conservative” members of the Supreme Court including a new Chief Justice
Warren Burger--- Two key cases come early---The NY Times v. USA, 71’ dealing the pentagon
papers*** and Roe v. Wade, 1973 –which allowed for abortion---based on the right to privacy
established in the 1965 Griswold v. Connecticut case***(Warren Court) –another key case from the
70s would be: Regents of California v. Bakke, 1978—which stops universities from admitting
minority students who were less qualified just because of race---a prime example of “reverse
discrimination” being outlawed---*****another landmark case is Swan v. Mecklenberg County, 1971
–which mandated and ordered busing to integrate school districts**
Nixon on the Home Front***( the Democrats had a majority in both houses of Congress--and therefore many of the more liberal laws passed during this period are not proposed by Nixon
but either signed by him due to a negotiation—or over his veto***)
*****Surprisingly (explained above) Nixon presided over an expansion of many of the affirmative
action and welfare programs that conservative Republicans usually oppose*** (Dems controlled
both houses of Congress) The Philadelphia Plan (1969) – required all Federal Contractors [private
companies who do business with the gov’t] to establish “goals and timetables” for hiring blacks –
quota system--- or mandated that a certain % of all gov’t contracts be given to “minority”
contractors ---Nixon expands benefits to blacks as a group---not just individuals---****The Supreme
Court in Griggs v. Duke Power Co. (1971)—supported Expanded protections of Minorities and
Women by ruling that Companies cannot give intelligence tests or any other tests that specifically
discriminated against minorities or Women--- Nixon and Congress increases $$$ for “entitlement”
programs such as Food Stamps, Medi-caid, AFDC, and Social Security—(created SSI –a supplement to
account for the crazy inflation---it is consistent increases in payments to people that is tied to
inflation-- “indexed”---and is why today that many people believe it will run out of $$$ in the
2030s)***
***Nixon and Congress impacts the ENVIRONMENT*** huge change****
Both
created due to the Growing Environmental Movement
-The 1st Air Pollution Control office in Los Angeles in 1950
-Rachel Carson’s Book. “Silent Spring” 1962
-The First Earth Day, 1970***
-The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is created in 1970****
-The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) – in 1970***
-The Clean Air Act, 1970
-The Clean Water Act, 1972
- The Endangered Species Act, 1973
Radically transforms we live in today**** huge impacts on many businesses who have
to comply with federal regulations which increases costs for companies---in some
cases so much they can no longer be competitive and they close****jobs are lost***
whole communities suffer*** but they could breathe and drink clean water—etc 
-To combat inflation---Nixon and Congress imposes a 90 day wage and price freeze
To improve exports of US Goods Nixon takes the USA off the Gold Standard
Permanently*** (The US Dollar would now be valued based on the Credit of the US --GOVT instead of the last 30 + years where each dollar printed would be backed by a
dollar’s worth of gold in our treasury*** NO LONGER***)
As Nixon prepares for the next election, 1972--- he crafts the “Southern Strategy,” a
plan to appeal “white conservative southerners,” by opposing School Busing to
achieve integration---by appointing conservatives to the Supreme Court--- Nixon’s
plan was to attempt to break up the “Solid Democratic Party controlled South”---and
convert the southern conservatives to the Republican Party*** it is very successful and
begins this dramatic change which after Reagan’s two victories in 1980 and 1984---it
is complete---Republicans by 2000 have a “Solid Republican South” due to Goldwater’s
1964 New Conservatives –Nixon’s Southern Strategy in 1972---and Reagan’s---“Moral
Majority” which ties Religion to politics***HUGE***
The Nixon Landslide of 1972***actions taken by C.R.E.E.P.*** turn into the
“Watergate Scandal” which causes Nixon to resign—the only President in
our history to do so***
One key to Nixon’s Dramatic Victory--- Kissinger’s announcement of “Peace
in Vietnam,” just 12 days before election day***hmmmm—not quite*** it took
another 3 months and heavy bombing by the USA and pressure from China and the Soviet Union**
1972 Election---Nixon Dominates***
Nixon
McGovern
Republican
Democrat
47 million
29 million
520
17 (won Mass. and DC)
Great joke on a “bumper sticker” after Watergate: “Don’t blame me I’m from Massachusetts”****
Bombing North Vietnam to the Peace Table –A Draft that began in 1948
and was continuous until 1973 ENDS***** HUGE*** NO MORE****
Nixon & Congress ends the Draft in January 1973************** We have a
completely volunteer Armed Service today****AND HAVE NOT DRAFTED ANYONE SINCE THE ABOVE
DATE****
Fighting in Vietnam escalated after the election---“peace was not at hand,” as Dr. Kissinger had
claimed. Nixon decides to Bomb N. Vietnam relentlessly until they sued for peace---the heaviest in
the entire history of the WAR*** but—this bombing combined with pressure from China and the
USSR brought North Vietnam to the peace table in Paris---and a cease-fire was negotiated on
January 23, 1973****our last day in South Vietnam [award winning 2014 documentary @ the
Sundance Film Festival as well] was on April 29, 1975****2 years + after the cease-fire*** I was home
from school that day and watched it all on TV “live” it was crazy*** our embassy and last personnel
were evacuated by helicopter to Aircraft Carriers off the Coast of S. Vietnam…Saigon and the South
fell the next day. I was 11 years old.
************************************EFFECTS******************************************************
-July 1976 Vietnam became 1 country –controlled by the Communists. Over 1million are killed after
the unification***
-April 1975 Cambodia fell to the communist Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot and began the “killing
fields,” where over 2.5 million were executed in a mass genocide.***
-December 1975 –Laos was taken by the communist Pathet Lao close to ½ a million were killed.
3 million more people from the former French Indochina become “war refugees,” one of the great
humanitarian crises of the 20th century.
- THE 1ST “LOSS” OF A WAR IN AMERICAN HISTORY***
- Between 1965**LBJs escalation**and 1975 the US spent 111$$$Billion on the War –which began a
series of LARGE US GOVERNMENT BUDGET DEFECITS***
-1.5 MILLION AMERICANS SAW COMBAT IN VIETNAM—58,220 KILLED—150,000 WOUNDED—
21,OOO PERMANENTLY DISABLED***- 830,OOO TROOPS SUFFERED PTSD***- 125,000 WENT TO
CANDADA TO AVOID THE DRAFT***(LATER PARDONED CONTROVERSIALLY BY PRESIDENT JIMMY
CARTER IN 1977)***-- THE US GOVERNMENT, AS OF 2013 PAYS OVER 22 BILLION A YEAR TO
VIETNAM VETERANS IN WAR RELATED CLAIMS**(USE OF “AGENT ORANGE AND THE RAINBOW
HERBICIDES” AND ITS CANCER CAUSING EFFECTS ACCOUNTS FOR MUCH OF THIS)
- A TOTAL OF 3.8 MILLION PEOPLE DIE IN VIETNAM FROM 1955 – 1975***
Nixon hails the peace, announced in Jan. 1973, as “PEACE WITH HONOR,” in reality it was an
American Retreat***
Watergate Woes*** The “Credibility Gap” widens***(The American Peoples TRUST
in their Government)
June 17, 1972—( 5 months before the 1972 election day)- a burglary occurs at the Watergate office
complex—THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY*** --C.R.E.E.P.*** (Committee to re-elect
the President-Republican/Nixon) hires former CIA guys to break into the Democratic Party
headquarters to plant “bugs”-listening devices” that would allow them to listen in on the
conversations and know their strategies for the upcoming elections*** it fails---the 5 men, “THE
PLUMBERS UNIT,” get busted*** C.R.E.E.P. had managed to raise tens of millions of dollars in
ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS to engage in a “dirty tricks” campaign to undermine Democratic
elections in the fall—espionage, sabotage, faked documents released to the press, etc..
By 1974 over 69 people associated with the WHITE HOUSE—and C.R.E.E.P. had been indicted AND,
48, EITHER PLEADED GUILTY OR WERE FOUND GUILTY-- in court for crimes associated with the
“dirty tricks” campaign OCHESTRATED BY NIXON AND HIS CAMPAIGN LEADERS.
The FBI, CIA, and IRS were all found to have been manipulated by Nixon and his associates to
perform illegal actions against US Citizens—all on Nixon’s “ENEMIES LIST.” Including the “Pentagon
Papers,” leaker—Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist’s office was broken into by, “THE PLUMBERS UNIT,” in
order to find evidence that the Nixon White House could leak to destroy his reputation.
The US Senate forms a committee to investigate these charges---This all comes to the public over a
period of 2 years as information is slowly and secretly leaked to 2 young reporters at the
Washington Post Newspaper, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein (made famous in the movie, “All the
Presidents Men”) KNOW ONE NEW WHO LEAKED THE INFO TO THE REPORTERS---THE PERSON’S
CODE NAME WAS “DEEP THROAT,” FOR 33 YEARS THE SECRET OF WHO “DEEP THROAT” WAS is
KEPT---33 years after the fact—we now know it was the Deputy Director of the FBI—Mark Felt who
was DEEP THROAT***one of the most successfully kept secrets in American Political History***
The Senate investigative Committee, 1973-74, is led by NC Senator, Sam Ervin*** and their sessions
ARE TELEVISED TO THE WORLD---AND A CONSTIUTIONAL CRISIS IS CREATED—PITTING THE WHITE
HOUSE/NIXON V. THE CONGESS, SUPREME COURT, AND THE MEDIA****DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY
ON TV**** The people wonder what is going on---what is true---is Nixon a liar and a criminal---
Watergate Continued---The Great Tape Controversy***
Nixon so far had been successful, pollsters asked the people, in denying any involvement or
knowledge of the Watergate Events—but in July of 1973 a former White House aid testified on TV
that there was recording equipment in the President’s office---and that the tapes would prove
Nixon’s knowledge of the events and subsequent COVER-UP***
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS BEGINS***---Nixon denies there are tapes—The Senate asks him to
deliver the tapes to the Committee---Nixon then claims that there are tapes BUT—DUE TO
EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE, Separation of Powers, AND NATIONAL SECURITY that he cannot/will not give
the tapes to the Senate Watergate Committee***
MEANWHILE—AT THE SAME TIME---Spiro Agnew is forced to resign for taking bribes and Gerald
Ford, Congressman from Michigan, according to the 25th Amendment***, is appointed Vice President
to Nixon. THE CREDIBILITY GAP IS GROWING****
Nixon had appointed Archibald Cox as a “special prosecutor,” to investigate the Watergate charges
early in 1973---a way to control the process—it does not work because Cox gets a subpoena to take
the tapes***So Nixon Fires him---called, “THE SATURDAY NIGHT MASSACRE,” –NIXON ALSO FIRES THE
NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL (the original atty gen. was already in jail) and the Deputy Attorney
General because they would not FIRE ARCHIBALD COX –the special prosecutor.
MEANWHILE AGAIN---, The “Secret Bombings of Cambodia,” are reported to the public—and during
this time, Nixon’s 1st term-1969, Nixon was consistently lying to the public and the media and
Congress***** denying any bombings--- until 1970 when they were told we 1st began our bombings--Even after the 1973 Cease-Fire agreement with Vietnam---Nixon continued to bomb Cambodia--THIS PRESIDENTIAL EXTENSION OF THE “WAR-MAKING” POWER TAKEN BY PRESIDENTS [NIXON
NOW] FROM THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWER AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF---was upsetting the nation
and Congress---and seen as a violation of the constitution by many---due to its illegal nature---lying
to both the public and Congress—treaty violation---etc—CONGRESS RE-DEFINES FUTURE
PRESIDENT’S “WAR-MAKING” ABILITY--- BY PASSING THE WAR POWERS
ACT, 1973******HUGE****--PASSED OVER NIXON’S VETO (2/3RDS MAJORITY OF BOTH
HOUSES OF CONGRESS)***
1- Requires the President to report to Congress within 48 hours after committing troops to a foreign
conflict or “substantially” enlarging American Combat Troops in a country.
2 –All Troops have to be WITHDRAWN after 60 days, unless CONGRESS extends it for 30 days at a
time---***********huge impacts for the future*****************
The Arab Oil Embargo and the Energy Crisis****huge****
Syria and Egypt launch a SECRET attack ON Israel in October, 1973***
Israel is desperate---and calls on the USA for help---KISSINGER—now Secretary of State, flew to
Moscow to restrain the USSR who was helping Syria and Egypt--- NIXON PUTS OUR ARMED SERVICES
ON DEFCON -3 AND SENDS 2 BILLION$$$ IN MODERN WEAPONS TO ISRAEL IMMEDIATELY****With
the US aid---The Israeli’s turn the tide, with the aid of USAs advanced weapons and drive all the way
to Cairo, Egypt (capital)***The US at this point arranges for a cease-fire**
The Effects of the USA aiding Israel were enormous:
O.P.E.C.—AND THE ARAB NATIONS CLAMP AN OIL EMBARGO ON THE USA IN
OCTOBER 1973****
TOUGH WINTER WITH LITTLE HEATING OIL
GAS LINES EVERYWHERE
THE INTRO OF “FUEL EFFICIENT” CARS FROM JAPAN-OVERSEAS--LOCKED GAS CAPS
RIDING BICYCLES TO WORK
MOTORCYCLES—MORE FUEL EFFICIENT
AN “ENERGY CRISIS”***THAT LAST STILL TODAY****
OIL EXPLORATION AND A PIPELINE FROM ALASKA***
A NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT***TO SAVE FUEL 55MPH
MORE COAL AND NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS BUILT
AN END OF AN ERA---WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE “STAGFLATION” OF THE
70s---NO MORE “CHEAP ENERGY” --THE MIDDLE EAST BECAME A STRATEGICALLY MOST IMPORTANT AREA AS
THE 80s and 90s approach---
And when the EMBARGO ENDS AFTER THE 5 MONTH
EMBARGO---OIL PRICES GO UP 4X---THAT IS TODAY ABOUT
11$ A GALLON OR 150$+ TO FILL YOUR TANK****IMAGINE
THAT ***
INFLATION WENT THROUGH THE ROOF**
A SLOW DECLINE IN AMERICAN MADE MANUFACTURED
PRODUCTS***WAS INEVITABLE***FACTORIES SHUT
DOWN***
NIXON HAS TO FACE HIS ACCUSERS*** AND THEN
RESIGNS***THE ONLY PRESIDENT TO DO SO IN US
HISTORY****************************************
WATERGATE FINALLY BRINGS “TRICKY DICK” DOWN*****
1974---after the many shenanigans to avoid giving up the tapes---Nixon is forced to by the Supreme
Court of the United States---in April Nixon releases some “transcripts” but not all and claim they will
vindicate him---prove he is telling the truth----in United States v. Nixon, 1974, ruled UNANIMOUSLY,
that claims of “executive privilege” were void----AND ORDERED ALL OF THE TAPES RELEASED****IN
JULY, 1974 NIXON RELEASES THE TAPES***THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BEGINS
“IMPEACHMENT” HEARINGS--- THE TAPES REVEAL THAT NIXON KNEW AND ATTEMPTED A MASSIVE
COVER-UP---BUT 18 AND ½ MINUTES OF THE TAPES WAS MYSTERIOUSLY ERASESD BY “NIXON’S
SECRETARY,” LATER WE LEARN THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR MRS. WOODS TO DO THIS—AND 9
DIFFERENT SEGMENTS ARE ERASED—NOT JUST AN 18.5 MINUTE SEGMENT***BY THE END OF JULY
THE HOUSE HAD VOTED TO BRING TWO (2) ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST NIXON---ONE FOR
“OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE.” AND ONE FOR ABUSE OF POWER, AND A THIRD IN AUGUST FOR
“CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS,” ---A LAST TAPE, “THE SMOKING GUN TAPE,” WAS RELEASED THAT
PROVED NIXON WAS “A CROOK,”---THAT HE LIED---“ THE “CREDIBILITY GAP,” GROWS AS LARGE AS IT
EVER WILL IN OUR HISTORY***
NIXON RESIGNS AUGUST 8, 1974***
APPOINTED VP- GERALD FORD BECOMES THE 1ST AND ONLY UN-ELECTED PRESIDENT IN US
HISTORY***
SEPTEMBER 8, 1974 GERALD FORD ANNOUNCES HIS FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL PARDON OF
RICHARD NIXON**** FORD SAID HE PARDONED NIXON, “IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE NATION.”
The Principles that “no person is above the law,” were vindicated the Constitutional Crisis was
over***but the nation after “Defeat” in Vietnam ---Oil Embargo---VPs indictment for Bribery---The
President’s resignation---the “stagflation” of the economy sent our nation into a tailspin that took 4
long years to recover from***until Ronald Reagan is elected in 1980 and the ”Miracle on Ice.” 
THE BUMPER STICKER---“DON’T BLAME ME I’M FROM
MASSACHUSETTS***THE ONLY STATE McGOVERN WON IN THE 1972 PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTION 
The 1st Unelected President—Gerald Ford***1974- 1977
Ford did not have much time as President---but he tried---with many handicaps--especially his pardon of Nixon which did not help him at all…
THE LAST DAY IN VIETNAM APRIL 30, 1975-ABOUT 150,000 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
COME TO THE USA---EVENTUALLY OVER 500,000 VIETNAMESE COME TO AMERICA***
AMERICA RELUCTANTLY CAME TO REALIZE THAT THEIR POWER AS WELL AS THEIR
PRIDE HAD BEEN DEEPLY WOUNDED IN VIETNAM AND THAT THE RECOVERY WOULD
BE SLOW AND PAINFUL***
THE HELSINKI ACCORDS***- JULY 1975
Ford attempts more Détente (lessening of tensions with the ussr-cold war) in a meeting with 34
other nations---many agreements are signed formally attempting to open up the USSR and allowing
people to leave, cultural exchanges, etc---more human rights –BUT THE USSR PREVENTS ANY JEWISH
IMMIGRATION---and the USA responds with punitive trade measures---oh well, Jerry THE COLD
WAR GREW COLDER***
Feminists Victories and Defeats****Read the paper on my review site on 2nd Wave
Feminists****A MUST***]
After Vietnam, American Feminists began to find their voice***
In 1972, Congress passes Title
IX****** of the Education Amendments---PROHIBITING SEX
(GENDER) DISCRIMINATION IN ANY FEDERALLY ASSISTED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
OR ACTIVITY**********************SPORTS---COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS---HIGH
SCHOOLS********”YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY BABY” 
THE “ERA” (EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT) IS PASSED BY CONGRESS IN 1972***
2 Supreme Court Cases were promising victories:
Reed v. Reed, 1971 & Fronitero v. Richardson, 1973 which prohibited discrimination
in legislation and employment***
Non-Feminist women—like Phyllis Schafly and her Anti-ERA group protested the idea
of Women entering the military draft and “unisex” public restrooms AS WELL AS THE
GROWING “DIVORCE RATE”—WHICH TRIPLES BETWEEN 1960 AND 1976***
THE ERA AMENDMENT FAILS 3 STATES SHORT 35/38 IN 1982***********
AFRICAN AMERICANS LOSE IN TWO COURT CASES IN THE 70s “Burger” Court—
remember Nixon appointed 4 conservative justices to the Supreme Court***
Millikan v. Bradley, 1974 denied integration using busing if it meant busing students
across “school district lines.”
Regents of California v. Bakke, 1978 – ruled that admitting a student of a minority
group with lesser qualifications to college is “reverse discrimination.”
Both ruling were 5-4***a very divided court now***
The American Indian Movement (A.I.M.) has some success*** inspired by the Civil
Rights Movement—American Indians began to use the Courts---just like Women***
and African-Americans*** They first though gain attention through force---taking the
island of Alcatraz off the coast of SF, California*** and then seize the village of
Wounded Knee, SD***a historic site***of the last Indian Massacre in 1890*** Both fail
as long term gains –But in 1978 in the Supreme Court: United States v. Wheeler,
1978—Native Americans score a HUGE VICTORY*** WHEN THE SC DECLARED THAT
INDIAN TRIBES POSESSED A “UNIQUE AND LIMITED” SOVREIGNTY (POWER OVER
THEMSELVES AS A “SEPARATE NATION,”) SUBJECT ONLY TO THE WILL OF THE UNITED
STATES CONGRESS BUT NOT THE STATES*************HUGE***************************
The Bicentennial Presidential Campaign of 1976---The Election of the
“peanut farmer,” from Georgia***Jimmy Carter
1976 Election – The American People demanded change---wanted someone they could trust--Carter made one promise during the election campaign: “I will never lie to you.” And he kept his
promise 
Gerald Ford
Republican 49%
240
Jimmy Carter
Democrat
51%
297***a winner***
And controlled both houses in Congress****the Nixon pardon backlash****
Carter’s 1st three actions: 1- New Department of Energy 2- Tax Cuts to stimulate
economy (trickle down? Isn’t he a Democrat?? Oh—a Southern Democrat—but a
“new” Southern Democrat** a Humanitarian Conservative---like Eisenhower ???
3- Pardons all of the Vietnam War “Draft Dodgers”---VERY UNPOPULAR ACTION***
Carter’s Humanitarian Diplomacy FOREIGN POLICY***
HUMAN RIGHTS—Carter displayed an overriding concern for people around the
World---(and still does  )
1- Perhaps his greatest achievement as President are the CAMP DAVID ACCORDS—A
MIDDLE EAST PEACE TREATY BETWEEN EGYPT AND ISRAEL**********************
2- FULL DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH COMMUNIST CHINA*** 1ST TIME IN 30 YEARS
3- PANAMA CANAL TREATY****---“turns complete ownership and control of the Canal
to Panama by the year 2000*** very unpopular***
4 – Attempted Détente with the USSR BUT*** CUBAN/USSR TROOPS IN ANGOLA,
ETHIOPIA, AND ACROSS AFRICA & THE USSR INVADES AFGHANISTAN****(becomes
their “Vietnam,” and causes the USA to boycott the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in
Moscow and the USSR to Boycott the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow****
5- A failed S.A.L.T. II TREATY WITH THE USSR (FAILED DÉTENTE)
Economic and Energy Problems—domestic policies****
-“Double Digit inflation” every year from 1974 until early 1980s**** Prices skyrocketing*** 13% in
1979***
-Oil prices soar--- America has a 40 Billion $ “Trade Deficit” – can’t sell its products overseas--factories closing ---“The Rust Belt” appears in the Middle and North East---American Manufacturing
once the leaders in the world cannot compete---wages & environmental costs drives our prices for
goods higher than those that manufacture goods overseas--- “Buy American” a huge slogan---but too
little too late –as we know today****Companies begin to “downsize” and move their operations
“overseas” to take advantage of “cheap” third-world labor with no environmental protections as
restrictions*** The once great “Gilded Age” centers of wealth and Power in the Middle and North
East Cities become ruins ---no jobs ---no taxes---skyrocketing prices---Urban Decay ---Schools close --Crime Rate Soars---Gangs--- RAP MUSIC---the SUN-BELT GROWS EVEN LARGER---NO UNIONS---LOW
TAXES---CONSERVATIVE STATE GOVERNMENTS—GOOD WEATHER—IF YOU WERE HOMELESS AT
LEAST YOU DID NOT FREEZE***ANNUAL GOVERNMENT “BUDGET DEFICITS” IN THE BILLIONS***
PERHAPS THE BIGGEST SHOCKER****ECONOMICALLY WAS INTEREST RATES =
20% PRIME RATE**********************************
Today interest rates are low—Thankfully  -- but throughout the 70s & 80s they climbed and stayed
fairly high**** a 20% Prime Rate---(what banks charged each other) made it almost impossible to
afford to borrow $$$ to purchase a new car-house –etc….
Imagine today --- you buy a 20,000$ car and your payments are around 3-500 $$$ a month---ok you
say---with 20% interest you are talking payments today being 1000 to 1300 a month***for a car***
Housing is ridiculous--- a house at 100000 [ Most housing today is TRIPLE AND would HAVE
payments as high as 9000 a month*** or more*** it is hard enough today with Interest rates around
3-5%**** Imagine doubling or tripling your car and house payments***
My father bought a house in Florida in 1969 on the lake in Orlando for 12,000$ his payment was
around 120$ a month--- Inflation & High Interest Rates caused everything to skyrocket ---the same
house today built in 1969 just sold for over a million$$$$
Gold was 40$ an ounce in 1970 --- today it is over 1400 $ an ounce—
Gas was 35 cents a gallon ---Today its 2.35 and has been as high as 3.00 + a gallon
The key is that if wages do not correspondingly grow what happens IS THAT***PEOPLE are broke
and angry*** and depressed*** and see no hope in the future--- A MALAISE (DEPRESSION) SINKS
INTO AMERICA*** See Consumer Price Index below from 1967 -2013**** note the red line (prices)
THE IRAN HOSTAGE CRISIS*** CARTER’S UNDOING****
Remember the CIA and British MI-6 had sponsored a “Coup-de-tat” in Iran in 1954 in order to control
Iran’s Oil Supply----and put the Shah (king) on the throne due to his willingness to cooperate with
the 7 Sisters Oil Conglomerate***
Things change quickly in 1979***Fundamentalist Islam TAKES OVER**** THE AYATOLLAH’S****
A DRAMATIC REVOLUTION OCCURS IN IRAN**** AMERICA IS SEEN AS THE ENEMY-“The Great Satan”
Due to this Iranian Oil is withdrawn from the World Markets all of a sudden and there is another OIL
CRISIS*** LONG LINES AT GAS STATIONS*** THE 7 SISTERS CANNOT OVERCOME THE REGLIOUS
REVOLUTION IN IRAN AND COLLAPSE---TEMPORARILY ****
NOVEMBER 4, 1979 IRANIAN STUDENTS STORM THE US EMBASSY IN
TEHERAN, IRAN AND CAPTURE OUR EMBASSY TAKING ALL
HOSTAGE************************************HUGE*************************
THE SHAH HAD ESCAPED TO THE USA*** AND THE IRANIANS WANTED HIM BACK***WE SAID NO 
CARTER REACTS QUICKLY BY PLACING AN ECONOMIC EMBARGO ON IRAN AND***SUGGESTING THAT
WOMEN AND MEN BE REQUIRED TO SIGN UP FOR THE DRAFT******
66 AMERICAN DIPLOMATS ARE HELD HOSTAGE FOR 444 DAYS**************
CARTERS FAILURE TO GET THE HOSTAGES OUT—DOOM HIM IN THE
COMING 1980 ELECTION V. RONALD REAGAN***
AMERICA IS STILL REELING FROM VIETNAM-NIXON’S FIASCO-ECONOMIC
HARDSHIP---AND A PERCEPTION THAT WE WOULD NEVER BE STRONG
AGAIN****HUGE MALAISE (DEPRESSION) FALLS OVER OUR NATION****
BUT A “HERO” IS ON THE HORIZON—WHO WILL GIVE US BACK OUR “MOJO”
(AUSTIN POWERS??? NO RONALD REAGAN*** )