POTUS

Richard Nixon: AP US History Rundown

Richard Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. His presidency was marked by significant foreign policy achievements, including détente with the Soviet Union and opening relations with China, but ultimately overshadowed by the Watergate Scandal, which led to his resignation.

Key Events and Associations

• Early Career:
  • Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
  • U.S. Representative from California (1947-1950).
  • U.S. Senator from California (1950-1953).
  • Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961).
• 1960 Presidential Election: Narrowly lost to John F. Kennedy.
• 1968 Presidential Election: Won against Hubert Humphrey, promising to restore “law and order” and end the Vietnam War.
• Vietnam War:
  • “Vietnamization” policy: Gradually withdrew U.S. troops while training and equipping South Vietnamese forces.
  • Secret bombing of Cambodia: Aimed to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines, but sparked widespread protests.
  • Invasion of Cambodia (1970): Further escalated protests and unrest, including the Kent State shooting.
  • Paris Accords (1973): Ended U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
• Détente with the Soviet Union:
  • Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I): Limited the production of nuclear weapons.
  • Opened dialogue with the Soviet Union, reducing Cold War tensions.
• Opening to China:
  • Secret negotiations with China through Pakistan.
  • Visited China in 1972: A historic diplomatic breakthrough that normalized relations.
• Watergate Scandal:
  • Break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate Scandal Hotel.
  • Cover-up and obstruction of justice by Nixon and his administration.
  • Tapes revealed Nixon’s involvement in the cover-up.
  • Faced impeachment by the House of Representatives.
  • Resigned from the presidency in 1974.
  • Later pardoned by President Gerald Ford.

Important Legislation and Policies

• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): Established in 1970 to protect the environment.
• Clean Air Act of 1970: Set national standards for air quality.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Created to ensure safe working conditions.
• Endangered Species Act of 1973: Provided protection for threatened and endangered species.
• Revenue Sharing: Provided federal funds to state and local governments.
• Expanded Social Security: Increased benefits and coverage.

Groups and Affiliations

• Republicans: Lifelong member and leader of the Republican Party.

Impact on the Country

• Foreign Policy:
  • Significantly altered the landscape of the Cold War through détente and opening to China.
  • Left a legacy of pragmatic diplomacy.
• Domestic Policy:
  • Expanded the role of the federal government in environmental protection and workplace safety.
  • Presided over a period of economic challenges, including Stagflation.
• Political Impact:
  • The Watergate Scandal eroded public trust in government and led to calls for greater transparency and accountability.
  • His presidency remains controversial due to the scandal, but his foreign policy achievements are widely recognized.
  • The scandal caused many to wonder if the ends justify the means in politics.