President Nixon and Watergate 1968-1974 Flashcards
Situation during Nixon presidency in 1968
1) Inflation caused by over-spending on the conflict in Vietnam and the Great Society
2) A growing trade gap and unemployment
Domestic achievements
It was limited because he was more interested in foreign policy
The Democrats controlled Congress, making it difficult to pass domestic legislation.
Civil rights
• Attitude and an example of achievement
Nixon showed little interest
By 1971, there were 13 black congressmen and 81 black mayors.
Civil rights
• The Family Assistance Plan
He introduced the Family Assistance Plan, which attempted to replace the range of different benefits brought in by the Great Society with a direct grant of $1,600 to poorer families
Civil rights
• Failure of the Family Assistance Plane
The Congress rejected it
The 1968 election
• Who did Nixon appeal?
Nixon appealed to ‘Middle America’ by championing those people worried by the Great Society, and the black inner0city riots.
The 1972 election
• Victory
Nixon won this election with the greatest electoral triumph achieved by a Republican candidate, winning 47 million votes to the 29 million of his opponent, the democrat candidate, George McGovern
What challenge did Nixon face?
• opposition in Congress
Nixon was faced with a Congress wherein both chambers were controlled by the opposition.
Why did Nixon win the 1972 election?
• Economy
Because there was a temporary boom in the economy and the Vietnam War seemed to be coming to n end.
Why did Nixon win the 1972 election?
• foreign affairs
Nixon had other achievements in foreign policy, notably visits to China and the USSR
The 1968 election
• What did the Democrat candidate Humphrey campaigned for
Humphrey campaigned to continue the war in Vietnam as well as the Great Society
What economic challenge did Nixon face?
Nixon faced difficult economic problems, especially a rise in prices, and tried to reduced this by strict control of borrowing by the US people and business. But it did not work
What was Nixon economic policy?
• 90-day wages and prices freeze
In 1971, he introduced a 90-day wages and prices freeze, and a reduction in income tax. He hoped to encourage the purchase of consumer goods.
What was Nixon economic policy?
• Pay Board
Nixon introduced a Pay Board, which kept wage increases down to 5.5%
What was Nixon economic policy?
• Price Commission
Nixon introduced a Price Commission, which limited price increases to 2.5% and devalued the dollar, which led to a temporary boom in the economy.
