Nixon’s Domestic Policies (1969–1974)
- Nixon called his approach the “New Federalism,” aiming to shift power from the federal government to state and local authorities.
- Created programs like revenue sharing, giving states more control over how federal funds were spent.
- Focused on law and order to appeal to the “Silent Majority” who felt alienated by 1960s social protests.
- Launched limited social reforms such as expanding Social Security, creating the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970, and supporting Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- Managed the economy through “stagflation” (a mix of inflation and unemployment) by imposing temporary wage and price controls (1971).
Definition
Federalism
- A system that divides power between national and state governments.
Case study
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1970
Background and Causes
- By the late 1960s, Americans were becoming more aware of pollution, toxic waste, and damage to natural resources.
- Environmental disasters such as the Cuyahoga River fire (1969) and the Santa Barbara oil spill (1969) shocked the public and pushed the issue into national debate.
- Growing activism from the first Earth Day (1970) and writers like Rachel Carson (Silent Spring, 1962) helped build momentum for reform.
- President Richard Nixon, though not known as an environmentalist, recognized that public opinion demanded government action.
- The goal was to create a single agency to coordinate federal efforts on air, water, and land pollution.
- Vocabulary: Regulation – rules made by the government to control activities that may harm people or the environment.
Creation and Early Actions
- In December 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established by executive order, combining programs from several departments.
- The EPA’s mission was to protect human health and the environment by enforcing national pollution standards.
- It began monitoring air and water quality, managing hazardous waste, and regulating pesticides and emissions.
- The Clean Air Act (1970) and Clean Water Act (1972) gave the agency legal power to fine or shut down industries that violated standards.
- The EPA introduced vehicle emission controls that led to cleaner car technology and improved public health.
Impact and Legacy
- The EPA became one of the most important federal agencies of the 1970s, symbolizing a new era of public responsibility.
- It showed that environmental protection could be a bipartisan issue supported by both major political parties.
- Industrial groups criticized the agency for slowing growth and increasing costs, but public support remained high.
- Over time, the EPA influenced other countries to establish similar agencies and inspired global cooperation on environmental issues.
- Despite later political debates over its authority, the EPA’s founding marked a major turning point in how Americans viewed the balance between economic progress and environmental responsibility.
Watergate and Possible Impeachment (1972–1974)
- The Watergate Scandal began when five men were caught breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters during Nixon’s re-election campaign.
- The Washington Post investigation and later Senate hearings revealed attempts to cover up the burglary.
- Nixon secretly recorded Oval Office conversations, which later served as evidence of obstruction of justice.
- Facing impeachment for abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and contempt of Congress, Nixon resigned in August 1974.
- Watergate exposed corruption and weakened public trust in the presidency.
- It led to reforms like the War Powers Act (1973) and Campaign Finance laws to limit executive power.
Definition
Impeachment
- The process of charging a government official with misconduct in office.
Note
- "Whip Inflation Now" (WIN) was a public relations campaign launched in 1974 by U.S. President Gerald Ford to combat the severe inflation plaguing the country at the time. The campaign is widely remembered as a public relations blunder and was mocked by many Americans.
Ford’s Domestic Policies and Pardon of Nixon (1974–1977)
- Ford’s presidency focused on restoring trust and addressing the economic crisis after Watergate.
- Faced severe inflation and recession, continuing the problem of stagflation.
- Promoted “Whip Inflation Now” (WIN) campaign, encouraging voluntary price control, but it had little success.
- His pardon of Nixon (1974) sparked public outrage, as many saw it as a political deal.
- Attempted to balance the budget and vetoed large numbers of congressional spending bills.
- Lost support from both Democrats and Republicans, leading to a difficult 1976 election campaign.
Carter’s Domestic Policies (1977–1981)
- President Jimmy Carter emphasized honesty, energy reform, and human rights in government.
- Faced economic problems: rising oil prices, energy shortages, and persistent inflation.
- Created the Department of Energy (1977) and Department of Education (1979) to streamline policy.
- Promoted conservation and alternative energy in response to the 1979 energy crisis.
- Struggled to manage stagflation and growing unemployment.
- His approval ratings fell sharply after the Iran Hostage Crisis (1979), which hurt his credibility.
- Carter’s presidency reflected growing frustration with government inefficiency and global instability.
Case study
The 1979 Energy Crisis
- Triggered by reduced oil exports from the Middle East and panic buying in the U.S.
- Gas shortages and long lines at stations symbolized America’s dependence on foreign oil.
- Carter’s televised “Crisis of Confidence” speech called for national unity and conservation.
- Result: Public perception of weakness, paving the way for Reagan’s election.
Party Changes and Political Realignment (1960s–1970s)
- The Democratic Party shifted from its traditional base of southern whites and labor unions to a coalition of minorities, women, and educated liberals.
- The Republican Party gained strength in the South and West, appealing to conservative voters through opposition to big government and social change.
- The Southern Strategy and focus on “law and order” redefined Republican politics.
- The New Right Movement emerged, emphasizing family values, patriotism, and free-market principles.
- The Watergate scandal, Vietnam, and economic turmoil weakened public faith in both parties.
- By 1980, this polarization set the stage for Reagan’s conservative revolution.
Common Mistake
- Writing about foreign policy (Vietnam, détente) instead of focusing on domestic issues.
- Failing to show how Watergate and economic crisis connected to the decline in public trust.
- Ignoring party realignment as a long-term change leading to the conservative shift of the 1980s.
Self review
- To what extent did Nixon’s domestic policies strengthen or weaken federal power?
- Examine the significance of the Watergate scandal in shaping public trust in U.S. politics.
- Assess how far economic problems and party realignment during the 1970s contributed to the rise of conservatism by 1980.
