unit 8- The 1970s to Today Flashcards
What problems does Nixon have with LBJ’s foreign policy? How has it failed in his eyes?
Nixon’s criticism of Lyndon B. Johnson’s foreign policy primarily revolves around the Vietnam War and its perceived failures. He indicates a desire to bring an “honorable end” to the war, suggesting that he believes Johnson’s handling of the conflict lacked honor or dignity. Nixon also mentions the need for a policy to prevent “more Vietnams,” indicating his belief that the Vietnam War was a strategic mistake that should not be repeated. In addition, Nixon argues that, under Johnson’s leadership, America’s peacekeeping institutions and foreign commitments need to be renewed, suggesting a broader dissatisfaction with America’s role in global affairs. That discontent could be attributed to the view that Johnson’s Foreign Policy approach had been overly tough, ineffective or lacking in strategy foresight.
According to Nixon, how did our nation become great?
According to Nixon, the United States became great not because of what the government did for people, but because of what people did for themselves over a hundred-ninety years in the country. He stresses the role of American private enterprise, individual initiative, and self reliance in the greatness of the United States.
How will he follow this ‘tradition’ in his domestic policy?
by abandoning government solutions and instead using tax and credit policies to encourage American private enterprise. Taking into account his belief in the power of self reliance and the contributions of the American people to the success of the country, he believes that promoting individual initiative and entrepreneurship will be the engine of progress.
How did Nixon’s advisors help him appeal to southern white voters while being able to avoid being obviously racist?
The shift in policy messaging is highlighted by Atwater’s quote, from overtly racist to more subtle references. He acknowledges that directly using racial slurs or explicit language (“n—-r”) had become politically detrimental by the late 1960s. Instead, he suggests that discussing issues like forced bussing, states’ rights, and economic policies in coded or abstract terms could indirectly address racial concerns without overtly mentioning race.
How did the Federal Bureau of Narcotics start the false association with marijuana, violence, and people of color in the 1930s?
The Federal Bureau of Narcotics started false accusations against Mexicans about them being violent against Americans for marijuana. He used racism to create a propaganda campaign against the drug. He testifies before congress claiming that it was addictive and destructive.
How did Nixon & his advisors use this association for their own purposes? (Summarize the quote from his advisor John Ehrlichman.)
They used to bully and overpower his political enemies and minorities by criminalizing them to disturb them. They wanted the public to focus on the people associated with the drugs.
The Watergate Scandal
Why does it matter?
The Watergate is a turning point in that American _trust in the government drops sharply____; for most Americans- even those born long after Watergate, it has never recovered.
What are the three main factors that create “stagflation” in the economy?
Economic growth, Inflation, Unemployment.
What caused the oil embargos?
Arab members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed an embargo against the United States in retaliation for the U.S. decision to resupply the Israeli military and to gain leverage in the post-war peace negotiations.
How did an oil embargo contribute to inflation?
because everything is so reliant on fossil fuels, when the cost of oil increases, the cost of EVERYTHING increases.
How did the oil embargo impact Americans’ daily lives and feelings towards Carter & the government?
They felt that the president was not doing anything about the problem. They didn’t trust that there was a shortage of oil.
What three events make Carter look like he is unable to handle foreign affairs?
The Soviets invaded Afghanistan in the middle of negotiations for SALT II (another nuclear weapon reduction treaty).
Iranian Hostage Crisis.. many americans captured in Iran and carter couldn’t free them
The Iranian Rev pushed out the Shah who was friendly to the US and installed an undemocratic, theocratic government.
Who won the 1980 election as a result of carters fails?
Republican Reagan
What was Reagan’s Presidency called?
The Reagan revolution
What was a large portion of Reagan’s definition of American Freedom?
It was defined as economic freedom. Union power, reduce federal relation of industry and the environment, lower taxes.
