U.S. History CH. 24 Notes

The Nixon Administration

Problems

1. Size and power of the federal government

2.Ineffieciency of the welfare system

3.Vietnam War and domestic disorder

4. Nixon's reelection

5. Liberalism of Supreme Court justices

6.Stagflation and recession

7.U.S.-China relations

8.U.S.-Soviet relations





Policies

New Federalism-more power, revenue -> state & local govts.

Impoundment-held back funds for programs he didn't like


Nixon backed the Family Assistance Plan -> guaranteed income, but welfare recepients must find work. Did not pass.


Sought to end U.S. involvement in Vietnam, conducted peace talks.

Illegal FBI wiretaps and IRS investigations of suspicious groups and persons


Southern Strategy-win votes from southern states that didn't like civil rights laws. Worked to delay school desegregation. Opposed extending the Voting Rights Act


Appointed 4 new conservative Supreme Court Justices:Burger, Blackman, Rehnquist, and Powell


Raised interest rates to cut inflation.
90 day wage and price freeze

Detente-visited China, negotiated directly with the Chinese. Signed important agreements

Detente-visited Soviet Union. Signed agreement on West Berlin. Signed SALT I Treaty -> limiting nuclear weapons









President Nixon and Watergate

Nixon's foreign policy
->Nixon helps ease Cold War tension

->Nixon's visit to Communist China and the Soviet Union helps further the new policy of detente.

->Nixon pulls U.S. troops out of Vietnam

->Nixon signs SALT I Treaty with the Soviet Union, for Nuclear Arms limits (1972)


Watergate
->U.S. presidency has increased power under Nixon

->Nixon distances himself from others and relies on a small group of close advisers

->Nixon seeks reelection in 1972 "by any means possible."

->Nixon participates in a White House cover-up of their involvement in the burglary

->The Senate begins an investigation of possible White House involvement in the Watergate break-in

->Witnesses at these hearings accuse Nixon and other White House officials of orchestrating a cover-up

->Nixon refuses to release White House tape recordings that could prove his involvement in a cover-up

->The House Judiciary Committee votes to ask for impeachment of Nixo