US History*Mr. Marinello

THE RISE OF THE GREAT

COMMUNICATOR

Nixon resigns in 1974 He had nominated Minority Leader Gerald Ford to be

his VPFord now becomes President.

The first President who was not popularly electedFord goes about setting the country right

“Our long national nightmare is over” In September of 1974 Ford pardoned Richard Nixon

Ford’s Presidency, while conservative, was brief and mired by the stain of Watergate and the pardon.

THE DOWNFALL OF A PRESIDENT

Ford faced a primary challenge from other Republicans California Governor, Ronald Reagan opposed Ford

for the nominationReagan was far more conservative than FordReagan and other Republicans were angry that

Ford did not do more to help the South Vietnamese army in 1975.

Ford is eventually nominated but is damaged by the process

The Democrats nominate Georgia Governor, Jimmy Carter Carter, former Navy officer. Former peanut

farmer Positioned as an outsider

ELECTION OF 1976

Carter is a soft spoken southernerCarter is a liberal Democrat

Installs solar panels on the White HouseAmerica faces severe economic issues

The economy slows down Inflation climbs Creating “stagflation”

On top of that gas becomes scarce

CARTER WINS

In 1979, Islamists in Iran overthrow the Shah (King) of Iran

Iran is a key controller of world oil The revolution pressures world supply

Revolutionary Iran is not a friend of the USThe US needs to figure out how to handle the

shortage Lines at gasoline stations Rationing Even/Odd day fill ups

Carter attempts leadership Famously encourages Americans to lower their home

thermostats, wear cardigans

IRANIAN REVOLUTION/ENERGY CRISIS

One signature achievement that Carter earned was a break through in foreign policy

In 1977, Carter brokers a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.

This is the fi rst attempt by the US to establish peace in the Middle East.

These discussions become known as “The Camp David Accords”

CARTER’S SUCCESSES

During the Revolution, Americans working at the Embassy were not able to evacuate66 Americans in the Embassy were held hostage in Iran as a result of the revolution.

The hostages were held for 444 days (November 1979 – January 1981)

Americans are rapt by the storyCarter attempts a rescue but it failsThis incident damages Carter’s

reputation severely

IRANIAN HOSTAGE CRISIS

Carter is challenged for the Democratic nomination by Ted Kennedy, further damaging Carter.

The Republicans nominate Ronald Reagan

Reagan is a great communicator Nicknames “The Great Communicator”

Reagan wins handilyThis is seen as the start of the “Reagan

Revolution”Conservatism finally found it’s

champion

THE ELECTION OF 1980

Former actor, Reagan used his affable style and humor to combat his enemies.

Reagan is the oldest person ever inaugurated 69 years old

70 days into offi ce an assassin shoots and wounds Reagan.

Reagan’s approval rating sky rocketAfter his recovery, he begins to implement

the Conservative wish listReagan implements supply-side economics

Broad tax cuts Support for businesses Sometimes called “Reagan-omics”

RONALD REAGAN

Communism was still a major concern for AmericansThe Soviet Union was seen as a major threat to

AmericaReagan believed in “peace through strength”

Supported increased spending for the military Reagan’s investments in defense spending ballooned the

federal debt. The goal was to outspend the Soviets, thus destroying their

economy.One hallmark of this plan was SDI

Strategic Defense Initiative Also called “Star Wars” A plan to destroy ballistic (nuclear) missiles before they

reached the US.

REAGAN’S FOREIGN POLICY

Defeating the Soviet Union was still of paramount concern for Americans

Reagan was an anti-communist from the 1950’s He lived through the “Red Scare”

For Reagan, the rhetoric was as important as the policy.

In 1987, Reagan visited Berlin, which was still divided into West and East Berlin.

In an eff ort to pressure soviet leaders into reform he delivered his famous “Tear Down this Wall” speech.

Had little impact on actual foreign policy but shaped his legacy as a cold warrior.

REAGAN AND THE SOVIET UNION