A Snapshot of the US Presidency - Nixon to Reagan

Below are several key points on each president's foreign and domestic policies from Nixon to Reagan. Three key points should inform your learning on whichever president you decide to study.

Richard Nixon (1969-1974) - Republican

Foreign Policies and Achievements:

• Opening Relations with China:
  • Historic visit to China in 1972, opening diplomatic relations.
  • Helped ease Cold War tensions between the US and China.
• Detente with the Soviet Union:
  • Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) leading to an arms control treaty in 1972.
  • Improved US-Soviet relations and eased nuclear tensions.
• Vietnam War:
  • Implemented "Vietnamization," gradually withdrawing American troops.
  • Negotiated the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, which led to a ceasefire and the withdrawal of US forces.

Domestic Policies and Achievements:

• Environmental Policies:
  • Established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970.
  • Passed significant environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act of 1970.
• Economic Policies:
  • Introduced wage and price controls to combat inflation.
  • Ended the Bretton Woods system by taking the US off the gold standard.
• Watergate Scandal:
  • Involved in the Watergate scandal, which led to his resignation in 1974.
  • First and only US president to resign from office.

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Gerald Ford (1974-1977) - Republican

Foreign Policies and Achievements:

• Helsinki Accords:
  • Signed the Helsinki Accords in 1975, promoting human rights and easing tensions with the Soviet Union.
  • Improved East-West relations during the Cold War.
• Vietnam War:
  • Oversaw the final withdrawal of US personnel from Vietnam in 1975.
  • Faced the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War.

Domestic Policies and Achievements:

• Economic Challenges:
  • Dealt with significant inflation and economic recession.
  • Implemented WIN (Whip Inflation Now) campaign to combat inflation, which had limited success.
• Pardoning Nixon:
  • Issued a controversial pardon to Richard Nixon for any crimes he might have committed during his presidency.
  • Faced public backlash but aimed to heal the nation.
• Bicentennial Celebrations:
  • Presided over the US Bicentennial celebrations in 1976, marking 200 years of American independence.

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Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) - Democrat

Foreign Policies and Achievements:

• Camp David Accords:
  • Brokered the Camp David Accords in 1978, leading to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
  • Significant achievement in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
• Iran Hostage Crisis:
  • Faced the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979, with 52 Americans held hostage for 444 days.
  • The crisis negatively impacted his presidency and contributed to his election loss.
• Human Rights Emphasis:
  • Promoted human rights as a cornerstone of US foreign policy.
  • Criticised governments with poor human rights records, including the Soviet Union.

Domestic Policies and Achievements:

• Energy Crisis:
  • Faced an energy crisis and promoted energy conservation and alternative energy sources.
  • Established the Department of Energy in 1977.
• Economic Challenges:
  • Struggled with high inflation and unemployment, leading to economic difficulties.
  • Implemented policies to combat inflation, but with limited success.
• Environmental Initiatives:
  • Expanded national park and wilderness areas.
  • Promoted environmental protection and awareness.

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Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) - Republican

Foreign Policies and Achievements:

• Ending the Cold War:
  • Took a hard stance against the Soviet Union, famously calling it the "Evil Empire."
  • Negotiated with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, leading to arms reduction treaties like the INF Treaty in 1987.
• Reagan Doctrine:
  • Supported anti-communist movements worldwide, providing aid to rebels in Afghanistan, Nicaragua, and other countries.
  • Aimed to roll back Soviet influence globally.
• Military Buildup:
  • Increased defence spending and modernised the US military.
  • Launched the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI), also known as "Star Wars," to develop missile defence systems.

Domestic Policies and Achievements:

• Economic Policies:
  • Implemented "Reaganomics," which included tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government spending.
  • Economic recovery and growth in the 1980s, though also increased national debt.
• Tax Reform:
  • Passed the Tax Reform Act of 1986, simplifying the tax code and lowering tax rates.
  • Significant shift in US tax policy.
• Social and Cultural Impact:
  • Promoted conservative values and a return to traditional American ideals.
  • Strongly opposed abortion and supported family values.
  • Response to the AIDS crisis was delayed and inactive.
• War on Drugs:
  • Launched a major anti-drug campaign, increasing law enforcement efforts to combat drug use.
  • Promoted the "Just Say No" campaign led by First Lady Nancy Reagan.

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