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.
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.
- "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.
