The Age of LiberalismThesis

Historians have often referred to the 20th century as an “Age of Liberalism.” The New Deal set an agenda that even Republican Presidents could not totally avoid.

Franklin D. Roosevelt forged an alliance between organized labor, northern African-Americans and

southern Democrats that allowed the Democrats to put a stranglehold over politics. During the 1960s, cracks

in the liberal coalition emerged over the issues of Vietnam and Civil Rights. These issues helped polarize society further during the 1960s making it increasingly

difficult for moderates to hold power. The final breakup of the liberal coalition occurred in 1980 when

Ronald Reagan won the presidency by arguing that liberal reforms were responsible for economic

stagnation.

The Nixon-Kennedy DebatesThe Nixon-Kennedy Debates

Nixon-Kennedy DebatesNixon-Kennedy Debates On 26 September 1960, 70 million U.S. viewers On 26 September 1960, 70 million U.S. viewers

tuned in to watch Senator John Kennedy of tuned in to watch Senator John Kennedy of Massachusetts and Vice President Richard Massachusetts and Vice President Richard Nixon in the first-ever televised presidential Nixon in the first-ever televised presidential debate. debate.

It was the first of four televised "Great Debates" It was the first of four televised "Great Debates" between Kennedy and Nixon. between Kennedy and Nixon.

The Great Debates marked television's grand The Great Debates marked television's grand entrance into presidential politics. They afforded entrance into presidential politics. They afforded the first real opportunity for voters to see their the first real opportunity for voters to see their candidates in competition, and the visual candidates in competition, and the visual contrast was dramatic. contrast was dramatic.

The Election of 1960The Election of 1960

JFK Foreign Policy IssuesJFK Foreign Policy Issues

See hand outSee hand out

Kennedy’s Domestic AgendaKennedy’s Domestic AgendaThe New Frontier

•During the campaign, Kennedy called for an extensive program of New Deal style social and economic reforms.

•After a narrow victory in the 1960 election, Kennedy focused his attention on the economy and foreign policy (relatively non-controversial issues).

New FrontierNew Frontier Aid to education, federal support of health Aid to education, federal support of health

care, urban renewal, and civil rightscare, urban renewal, and civil rights Congress did not passCongress did not pass Achieved roll back in steel pricesAchieved roll back in steel prices Economy stimulated by increased Economy stimulated by increased

spending for defense and spacespending for defense and space Peace CorpsPeace Corps Alliance for Progress (Land reform and Alliance for Progress (Land reform and

economic development)economic development)

The JFK AssassinationThe JFK Assassination

LBJ being sworn into office on Air Force One

Moments before the assassination

The assassination of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the The assassination of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, took place on Friday, November 22, 1963, in Dallas, United States, took place on Friday, November 22, 1963, in Dallas,

Texas, USA at 12:30 p.mTexas, USA at 12:30 p.m

John F. Kennedy was fatally wounded by gunshots while John F. Kennedy was fatally wounded by gunshots while riding with his wife Jacqueline in a presidential riding with his wife Jacqueline in a presidential motorcade through Dealey Plaza. motorcade through Dealey Plaza.

““Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald” … Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald” … that was the conclusion of multiple government that was the conclusion of multiple government investigations, including the ten-month investigation of investigations, including the ten-month investigation of the Warren Commission of 1963–1964 and the United the Warren Commission of 1963–1964 and the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations States House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) of 1976–1979. (HSCA) of 1976–1979.

The assassination is still the subject of widespread The assassination is still the subject of widespread speculation and has spawned numerous conspiracy speculation and has spawned numerous conspiracy theories, though none of these theories have been theories, though none of these theories have been proven.proven.

The Election of 1964The Election of 1964

The Other America The Other America (1962)(1962)by Michael Harringtonby Michael Harrington

Poverty in America

11 million people had less than a 6th grade education

1/5 of all families lived below poverty line

½ of all female-headed households lived below poverty line

½ of all households headed by adults over 65 lived below poverty line

80% of all non-white farm families lived below poverty line

In 1963, Welfare payments for a family of 4 were $1,920/year; poverty

level for that year was $3,000/year.

Johnson’s “Great Society”Johnson’s “Great Society”

“We have the power to shape the civilization that we want. We stand at the edge of the greatest era in the life of any nation. For the first time in world history, we have the abundance and the ability to free every man from hopeless want… This nation has man’s first chance to create a Great Society.”

-Lyndon B. Johnson, June, 1964

In 1966 President Johnson asked Congress for 200 pieces of legislation; Congress approved 181 of them! The President’s proposals sought to remedy almost every ill that was thought

to afflict Americans.

The Johnson TreatmentThe Johnson Treatment

Lyndon B. Johnson saw poverty as the major domestic problem in the country. In 1996, the release of his secretly recorded tapes of the president's White House telephone calls reveal, he pulled strings and applied his infamous powers of persuasion -- called the "Johnson Treatment" -- to make sure that his solution to poverty was put in place.

The Great Society: Civil RightsThe Great Society: Civil RightsProgram Year What it did…

Civil Rights Act 1964 Segregation illegal and federal Segregation illegal and federal government more power to enforce government more power to enforce school desegregationschool desegregation

Equal Employment Commission

1964 End racial discrimination in employmentEnd racial discrimination in employment

24th Amendment 1964 Banned poll taxBanned poll tax

Voting Rights Act 1965 In reaction to violence in Selma/King In reaction to violence in Selma/King marches-no literacy tests and federal marches-no literacy tests and federal registrarsregistrars

The Great Society: The Great Society: War on PovertyWar on Poverty

Program Year What it did…What it did…

Economic Opportunity Act

1964 included several social programs to promote the included several social programs to promote the health, education, and general welfare of the poorhealth, education, and general welfare of the poor

Office of Economic Opportunity

1964 Anti-poverty agency with billion $ budgetAnti-poverty agency with billion $ budget

-self-help for poor: Head Start, Job Corps, -self-help for poor: Head Start, Job Corps, literacy, legal programs, etc.literacy, legal programs, etc.

Job Corps 1964 (Under OEO) (Under OEO) no-cost education and vocational no-cost education and vocational training program that helps young people ages 16-24 training program that helps young people ages 16-24 get a better job, make more money, and take control of get a better job, make more money, and take control of their lives.their lives.

Legal Srvs. for the Poor 1964 Under OEOUnder OEO

VISTA 1964 Volunteers in Service to America: resembled the Peace Volunteers in Service to America: resembled the Peace Corps-allowed fed. govt. to recruit, train, and fund vol. Corps-allowed fed. govt. to recruit, train, and fund vol. who spend 1 yr. living among poor. They work on anti-who spend 1 yr. living among poor. They work on anti-poverty programs.poverty programs.

1965-2000 120,000 Americans nationally1965-2000 120,000 Americans nationally

Model Cities 1966 Federal Urban aid programFederal Urban aid program

The Great Society: EducationThe Great Society: Education

Program Year What it did…What it did…

Elementary &Secondary EducationAct

1965 Aid to poor districtsAid to poor districts

Head Start 1965 Under OEOUnder OEO

Federally funded pre-school education for low Federally funded pre-school education for low income childrenincome children

Upward Bound 1965 Federally funded college prep program for 1Federally funded college prep program for 1stst generation college students. Both a summer generation college students. Both a summer program and monitored during the year.program and monitored during the year.

(I used to work for Upward Bound…amazing (I used to work for Upward Bound…amazing program for high school students!!!)program for high school students!!!)

Rachel Carson: Rachel Carson: Silent SpringSilent Spring

Rachel Louise Carson (May 27, Rachel Louise Carson (May 27, 1907 – April 14, 1964) was an 1907 – April 14, 1964) was an American marine biologist and American marine biologist and nature writer whose writings are nature writer whose writings are credited with advancing the credited with advancing the global environmental movement.global environmental movement.

Silent Spring spurred a reversal Silent Spring spurred a reversal in national pesticide policy—in national pesticide policy—leading to a nationwide ban on leading to a nationwide ban on DDT and other pesticidesDDT and other pesticides

The Great Society: EnvironmentThe Great Society: Environment

Program Year What it did…What it did…

Water Quality Act

1965

All examples of All examples of regulations for regulations for environmental environmental quality.quality.

Air Quality Act 1965

Clean WaterRestoration Act

1966

The Great Society: GovernmentThe Great Society: GovernmentProgram Year What it did…What it did…

Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)

1965 Model Cities, improve coordination of existing Model Cities, improve coordination of existing urban programs and provide additional fundsurban programs and provide additional funds

National Endowment for the Humanities & Arts

1965 Federal funds for the arts and humanities.Federal funds for the arts and humanities.

(This program is paying for me to attend 2 (This program is paying for me to attend 2 amazing programs this year. )amazing programs this year. )

Dept. of Transportation

1966 Ralph Nader- Ralph Nader- Unsafe at Any SpeedUnsafe at Any Speed

-Motor Vehicle Safety Act 1966-Motor Vehicle Safety Act 1966

-Highway Safety Act 1966-Highway Safety Act 1966

-$375 M for large scale urban public -$375 M for large scale urban public reorganization of rail projects and fed. transport. reorganization of rail projects and fed. transport. agenciesagencies

The Great Society: Health Care The Great Society: Health Care (7(7thth))

Program Year What it did…What it did…

Medicare 1965 Health care to ages 65+Health care to ages 65+

Medicaid 1965 Health care to poor/disabledHealth care to poor/disabled

The Great Society: ImmigrationThe Great Society: Immigration

Program Year What it did…What it did…

Immigration & Nationality Act

1965 Abolished national origins quotas in immigration Abolished national origins quotas in immigration lawlaw

Pros and ConsPros and Cons

ProsPros Help for millions of Help for millions of

ignored Americansignored Americans

ConsCons Unrealistic to Unrealistic to

eliminate poverty, too eliminate poverty, too costly, and inefficientcostly, and inefficient

Beautify AmericaBeautify America First Lady-Lady Bird First Lady-Lady Bird

JohnsonJohnson (December 22, 1912 – July (December 22, 1912 – July

11, 2007)11, 2007) Throughout her life, she was Throughout her life, she was

an advocate for an advocate for beautification of the nation's beautification of the nation's cities and highways and cities and highways and conservation of natural conservation of natural resources, and made that resources, and made that her major initiative as First her major initiative as First Lady. Lady.

The Vietnam WarThe Vietnam War1960-19731960-1973War of containmentWar of containmentNorth Vietnam (Communist) vs. South Vietnam North Vietnam (Communist) vs. South Vietnam (Pro- West)(Pro- West)

Allies of North: U.S.S.R., People’s Republic of Allies of North: U.S.S.R., People’s Republic of ChinaChina

Allies of South: U.S., South KoreaAllies of South: U.S., South Korea

North wanted to reunify with the South after the North wanted to reunify with the South after the country was split in two at the 1954 Geneva country was split in two at the 1954 Geneva ConferenceConference1960- “Viet Cong” (North) invaded Southern 1960- “Viet Cong” (North) invaded Southern Vietnam and the war beganVietnam and the war began

The Vietnam War The Vietnam War (cont.)(cont.)1964- Gulf of Tonkin- North Vietnam accused of attacking U.S. 1964- Gulf of Tonkin- North Vietnam accused of attacking U.S. destroyersdestroyers

Lead to a large increase in U.S. involvementLead to a large increase in U.S. involvement Gulf of Tonkin Resolution- the President has the right to Gulf of Tonkin Resolution- the President has the right to

“prevent further aggression” from the North Vietnamese“prevent further aggression” from the North Vietnamese• The number of troops sent to Vietnam skyrocketed The number of troops sent to Vietnam skyrocketed

(500,000)(500,000)

U.S. made very few gainsU.S. made very few gains American troops fought a conventional war, while the American troops fought a conventional war, while the

Vietnamese were fighting an ideological warVietnamese were fighting an ideological war• U.S. tried to achieve their goals with as few American U.S. tried to achieve their goals with as few American

deaths as possibledeaths as possible• Vietnamese didn’t care how many people had to die for Vietnamese didn’t care how many people had to die for

their causetheir cause

The Vietnam War The Vietnam War (cont.)(cont.)

1968- 1968- Tet Offensive- North Tet Offensive- North

Vietnam attacked Vietnam attacked U.S. and pushed U.S. and pushed them back (U.S. them back (U.S. eventually regained eventually regained the territory)the territory)

• Portrayed as a Portrayed as a huge loss by huge loss by American mediaAmerican media

VietnamVietnamBy 1968 the war in Vietnam reached its peak. With 543,000 troops deployed. That same year, the Vietcong’s Tet Offensive seemed to demonstrate the un winnable of the war.

1968:A Year of Crisis1968:A Year of Crisis

MLK shot and riots across the USMLK shot and riots across the US RFK shot as he campaigned in CARFK shot as he campaigned in CA Violence at Democratic Convention in Violence at Democratic Convention in

Chicago in 3-way race between McCarthy, Chicago in 3-way race between McCarthy, Nixon, Wallace.Nixon, Wallace.

White backlash-Wallace (shot also) White backlash-Wallace (shot also) marshaled opposition to liberalmarshaled opposition to liberal

Nixon/Agnew- “hawk”- peace with honor, Nixon/Agnew- “hawk”- peace with honor, law and orderlaw and order

The Assassination of RFKThe Assassination of RFK

Robert Kennedy

1968 Democratic National Convention1968 Democratic National Convention

“The Whole World is Watching!”

People had enough of counterculture People had enough of counterculture protests, violence, permissiveness, and protests, violence, permissiveness, and drugs.drugs.

Tide against New Deal Liberalism and Tide against New Deal Liberalism and federal government interventionfederal government intervention =conservatives on top=conservatives on top

1968:A Year of Crisis1968:A Year of Crisis

The Election of 1968The Election of 1968

The Vietnam WarThe Vietnam War (cont.) (cont.)

19681968 My Lai My Lai

Massacre-Massacre- A A Vietnamese Vietnamese town suspected town suspected of harboring of harboring enemies was enemies was brutally brutally murdered by murdered by U.S. soldiersU.S. soldiers

The Vietnam War The Vietnam War (cont.)(cont.)19681968

Nixon took office- promised to get America Nixon took office- promised to get America out of the warout of the war

• Vietnamization- Bring U.S. troops home and Vietnamization- Bring U.S. troops home and leave the majority of the fighting to the leave the majority of the fighting to the VietnameseVietnamese

The Vietnam War The Vietnam War (cont.)(cont.)

1971- Pentagon Papers leaked to the press1971- Pentagon Papers leaked to the press Showed that the U.S. had deliberately expanded its Showed that the U.S. had deliberately expanded its

involvement in Vietnam involvement in Vietnam • This was happening while Pres. Lyndon Johnson This was happening while Pres. Lyndon Johnson

was telling the American people that the U.S. was telling the American people that the U.S. would not expand its involvementwould not expand its involvement

1973- Ceasefire signed1973- Ceasefire signed U.S. removed all troopsU.S. removed all troops No provisions for POW’s or MIA’sNo provisions for POW’s or MIA’s War resumed between North and South VietnamWar resumed between North and South Vietnam

1975- North Vietnam defeated South Vietnam1975- North Vietnam defeated South Vietnam

ResultsResults

3 million Vietnamese died3 million Vietnamese died

58,000 Americans died58,000 Americans died

$150 million spent on the war$150 million spent on the war Under funding for Great Society Under funding for Great Society

programsprograms

The 1960’s and 1970’sThe 1960’s and 1970’s

Social/Cultural ChangesSocial/Cultural Changes

Student Movement/New LeftStudent Movement/New Left Various liberal groups Various liberal groups

identified with black identified with black strugglesstruggles

Radical political movement of the 1960’s and 70’s

– Mostly comprised of college students

Social activistsBeliefs

– Anti- Draft– Pro- Civil Rights– Anti- Traditional values

(family, complacency)• Rebelled with sex,

drugs, and rock’n’roll– Opposed authority (Anti-

Establishment)

The New LeftThe New Left Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) was, a student activist movement in the was, a student activist movement in the U.S. that was one of the main iconic U.S. that was one of the main iconic representations of the country's New Left. representations of the country's New Left. The organization developed and The organization developed and expanded rapidly in the mid-1960s before expanded rapidly in the mid-1960s before dissolving at its last convention in 1969.dissolving at its last convention in 1969.

SDS was the organizational high point for SDS was the organizational high point for student radicalism in the United States student radicalism in the United States and has been an important influence on and has been an important influence on student organizing in the decades since student organizing in the decades since its collapse. its collapse.

Participatory democracy, direct action, Participatory democracy, direct action, radicalism, student power, shoestring radicalism, student power, shoestring budgets, and its organizational structure budgets, and its organizational structure are all present in varying degrees in are all present in varying degrees in current national student activist groups. current national student activist groups.

Though various organizations have been Though various organizations have been formed in subsequent years as proposed formed in subsequent years as proposed national networks for left-wing student national networks for left-wing student organizing, none has approached the organizing, none has approached the scale of SDS, and most have lasted a few scale of SDS, and most have lasted a few years at best.years at best.

Port Huron StatementPort Huron Statement SDS political manifesto, was adopted at the SDS political manifesto, was adopted at the

organization's first convention in 1962, based on an organization's first convention in 1962, based on an earlier draft by staff member Tom Hayden.earlier draft by staff member Tom Hayden.

Criticized the political system of the U. S. for failing to Criticized the political system of the U. S. for failing to achieve international peaceachieve international peace

Criticized racial discrimination, economic inequality, big Criticized racial discrimination, economic inequality, big businesses, trade unions and political parties. businesses, trade unions and political parties.

Suggested a series of reforms: Suggested a series of reforms: a greater democracy by reshaping two genuine partiesa greater democracy by reshaping two genuine parties a stronger power of citizens with citizens’ lobbiesa stronger power of citizens with citizens’ lobbies higher involvement of workers in business managementhigher involvement of workers in business management enlarged public sector and an increased welfare with notably a enlarged public sector and an increased welfare with notably a

“program against poverty.” “program against poverty.” advocated as well non-violent civil disobedience as the advocated as well non-violent civil disobedience as the

means by which student youth could bring forth a means by which student youth could bring forth a "participatory democracy.""participatory democracy."

Berkeley 1964Berkeley 1964

The Free Speech The Free Speech Movement (FSM) Movement (FSM) was a student was a student protest which took protest which took place during the place during the 1964-1965 school 1964-1965 school year on the year on the campus of the campus of the University of University of California, California,

BerkeleyBerkeley

Police Car Sit-in

What’s Wrong with Free Speech?What’s Wrong with Free Speech?

The Protests The Protests

The First D.C. RallyThe First D.C. Rally

April 17, 1965April 17, 1965 One month after the U.S. sent its first troops to One month after the U.S. sent its first troops to

VietnamVietnam Staged by the Leftist group, Students for a Staged by the Leftist group, Students for a

Democratic SocietyDemocratic Society 16,000 people picketed outside the White 16,000 people picketed outside the White

HouseHouse• ““No More War”No More War”• ““We Want Peace Now”We Want Peace Now”

Only 4 arrests madeOnly 4 arrests made

March on the PentagonMarch on the Pentagon

October 21, 1967October 21, 1967 Culmination of 5 days of protests organized by the National Culmination of 5 days of protests organized by the National

Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam Famous speakers came to address the crowd (Robert Famous speakers came to address the crowd (Robert

Lowell, Benjamin Spock)Lowell, Benjamin Spock) The protest escalated when the leaders of the Youth The protest escalated when the leaders of the Youth

International Party announced they were going to “exorcise” International Party announced they were going to “exorcise” the Pentagonthe Pentagon• People surrounded the building and chanted spells to try People surrounded the building and chanted spells to try

and drive out the “evil war spirits”and drive out the “evil war spirits” ““LBJ, Pull Out Now, Like Your Father Should Have LBJ, Pull Out Now, Like Your Father Should Have

Done.”Done.”• Tear gas was released into the crowdTear gas was released into the crowd• 2,500 troops guarded the Pentagon2,500 troops guarded the Pentagon• 681 arrested681 arrested

March on the PentagonMarch on the Pentagon (cont.) (cont.)

The Moratorium RallyThe Moratorium Rally (D.C.) (D.C.)November 15, 1969November 15, 1969

America’s biggest anti- war demonstration everAmerica’s biggest anti- war demonstration ever• 250,000- 500,000 protestors present250,000- 500,000 protestors present

A little less wildA little less wild• LBJ was out of office and Nixon had initiated his LBJ was out of office and Nixon had initiated his

“Vietnamization” plan“Vietnamization” plan• Police had learned how to handle protestsPolice had learned how to handle protests

3,000 Police3,000 Police 9,000 Army troops9,000 Army troops 200 Lawyers200 Lawyers 75 Clergymen75 Clergymen

Protest was peaceful for the most partProtest was peaceful for the most part• 135 arrests made135 arrests made

The Moratorium RallyThe Moratorium Rally (cont.) (cont.)

The Moratorium Rally was the largest anti-war protest The Moratorium Rally was the largest anti-war protest in U.S. historyin U.S. history

Kent StateKent StateIn response to Nixon’s invasion of CambodiaIn response to Nixon’s invasion of Cambodia

Didn’t want to be draftedDidn’t want to be drafted

May 1, 1970- Day OneMay 1, 1970- Day One Huge demonstration on the College’s commonsHuge demonstration on the College’s commons Around midnight rowdy bikers began throwing bottles Around midnight rowdy bikers began throwing bottles

and vandalizing cars in the streetand vandalizing cars in the street Approximately 100 students joined in Approximately 100 students joined in Police eventually got the situation under controlPolice eventually got the situation under control

Kent State Kent State (cont.)(cont.)

May 2, 1970- Day TwoMay 2, 1970- Day Two State of Emergency declared in KentState of Emergency declared in Kent

• Ohio Governor, James A. Rhodes, called in the National Ohio Governor, James A. Rhodes, called in the National GuardGuard

Demonstrations continued on campusDemonstrations continued on campus• Reserve Officer Training Corps building was set on fireReserve Officer Training Corps building was set on fire

Fire men and police were pelted with rocks by the Fire men and police were pelted with rocks by the surrounding crowdsurrounding crowd

10:00 p.m.- National Guard set up camp on Kent State’s 10:00 p.m.- National Guard set up camp on Kent State’s campuscampus

• Used tear gas and arrested the protestorsUsed tear gas and arrested the protestors• At least one person was bayonetedAt least one person was bayoneted

May 3, 1970- Day ThreeMay 3, 1970- Day Three More protestsMore protests Curfew imposed on studentsCurfew imposed on students

Kent State Kent State (cont.)(cont.)

The National Guard was sent in to maintain The National Guard was sent in to maintain order on Kent State’s campusorder on Kent State’s campus

Kent State Kent State (cont.)(cont.)May 4, 1970- Day FourMay 4, 1970- Day Four

Pre-planned rally commencedPre-planned rally commenced• Approx. 2,000 people presentApprox. 2,000 people present

National Guard told them to disperseNational Guard told them to disperse• People refusedPeople refused• Troops sprayed the crowd with tear gasTroops sprayed the crowd with tear gas

Crowd began throwing rocks and chased the National Guard Crowd began throwing rocks and chased the National Guard off campus off campus

• ““Pigs off Campus!”Pigs off Campus!” After being chased up a hill by the angry protestors, the After being chased up a hill by the angry protestors, the

National Guard opened fire on the crowdNational Guard opened fire on the crowd• Firing lasted 13 secondsFiring lasted 13 seconds• 4 dead4 dead• 9 wounded9 wounded

Kent StateKent State (cont.) (cont.)

The National Guard was The National Guard was chased up a hill by angry chased up a hill by angry

studentsstudentsA shocked student grieves over A shocked student grieves over a dead body, shot down by the a dead body, shot down by the

National GuardNational Guard

Ohio by Neil YoungOhio by Neil Young

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr-zRI7Gu-UzRI7Gu-U

Fourth D.C. RallyFourth D.C. RallyIn response to Nixon’s invasion of Cambodia and the Kent State In response to Nixon’s invasion of Cambodia and the Kent State shootingsshootings

Goal: Close down Washington D.C. on May 3, 1971Goal: Close down Washington D.C. on May 3, 1971 Shut off all access routes to the cityShut off all access routes to the city

• The protestors would come in waves so if one wave got The protestors would come in waves so if one wave got arrested the next would be there to take its placearrested the next would be there to take its place

March on the Pentagon, the Capitol, and the Justice March on the Pentagon, the Capitol, and the Justice DepartmentDepartment

Two weeks before May Day, 1971Two weeks before May Day, 1971 Over 200,000 people attended peaceful rallies in D.C.Over 200,000 people attended peaceful rallies in D.C. As May 3 approached many left, leaving only the die- hard As May 3 approached many left, leaving only the die- hard

radicals (organized by the People’s Coalition for Peace and radicals (organized by the People’s Coalition for Peace and Justice)Justice)

The Fourth D.C. RallyThe Fourth D.C. Rally (cont.) (cont.)

The Fourth D.C. RallyThe Fourth D.C. Rally (cont.) (cont.)

As May 3 approached, the Police prepared to arrest huge numbers As May 3 approached, the Police prepared to arrest huge numbers of peopleof people

Fill- in- the- blank arrest forms (to arrest people faster)Fill- in- the- blank arrest forms (to arrest people faster) Polaroid cameras would be used to take pictures of Polaroid cameras would be used to take pictures of

perpetrators so the Policeman could remember him later in perpetrators so the Policeman could remember him later in courtcourt

New “flexi- cuffs” with officer’s badge number already on themNew “flexi- cuffs” with officer’s badge number already on them ““Arrest teams” created to streamline the arresting processArrest teams” created to streamline the arresting process

• Arresting officerArresting officer• Handcuffing officerHandcuffing officer• Transporting officerTransporting officer

The Fourth D.C. Rally The Fourth D.C. Rally (cont.)(cont.)

May 2, 1971May 2, 1971 Police announced over a loudspeaker that the 30,000 Police announced over a loudspeaker that the 30,000

protestors camping out in West Potomac Park must vacateprotestors camping out in West Potomac Park must vacate• Reason: “violation of their permit” (use of drugs)Reason: “violation of their permit” (use of drugs)

Only 12,000 people remained after the announcementOnly 12,000 people remained after the announcement

May 3, 1971May 3, 1971 Police used tear gas to keep streets openPolice used tear gas to keep streets open

• 7,000 people arrested- the record to date7,000 people arrested- the record to date• 155 injuries155 injuries

Protestors plan was thwarted and D.C. stayed openProtestors plan was thwarted and D.C. stayed open

ContemporaryContemporaryAmerican Politics 1976-2009American Politics 1976-2009

Reagan

Carter

Ford Clinton

H.W. Bush W. Bush

Obama

Contemporary PoliticsContemporary Politics

During the past 30 years, Presidents from both parties have struggled to balance the ideals of the Great Society with national security concerns. Every American leader from Johnson to G.W. Bush has found it difficult to provide both “guns” and “butter.” During the 1970s high federal spending on Vietnam and the Great Society resulted in high inflation, precisely at the moment when American industrial productivity was declining. The resulting “stagflation” created a complex economic problem that proved unresponsive to most traditional methods of regulating the economy.

Richard Nixon: Domestic PolicyRichard Nixon: Domestic PolicyMany of Nixon’s policies seemed liberal or even progressive.

How can historians characterize them?

•Affirmative Action

•Bakke v. Regents of Univ. of CA

•Environmental Programs

•EPA, Endangered Species Act

•Worker/Consumer Protections

•OSHA

•Women’s Rights (Supported ERA)

•Funding for Arts

Economic ProblemsEconomic ProblemsStagflation: Recession + High Inflation

Causes

Declining Productivity

Increased Global Comp.

Trade Deficits

Large Work Force

High Labor Costs

High Gov Spending

High Energy Costs

Richard Nixon: Economic PolicyRichard Nixon: Economic Policy1. Devolution: Turning administration over to states govs

2. Block Grants to States

3. Ended Gold Standard… Free floating exchange devalued U.S. dollar… foreign goods become expensive… inflation

4. Price freezes on agricultural goods… shortages/inflation.

More Problems…

Fighting a recession only makes inflation worse…

And

Fighting inflation makes a recession worse.

Richard Nixon: Foreign PolicyRichard Nixon: Foreign Policy

Nixon & Kissinger

Secret Plan: Vietnamization

Détente: “Easing of Tensions”

-Goal: Isolate Vietnam, Exploit Differences between USSR & China

Nixon Doctrine: U.S. allies should no longer expect U.S. to send troops to support them

SALT I Treaty: Arms Limits

War Powers Act: Pres 90 days to seek Congressional approval

The Watergate ScandalThe Watergate Scandal•Enemies Lists

•CREEP (Committee to Re- Elect the President)

•The Plumbers

•“Saturday Night Massacre”

•Woodward & BernsteinArticles of Impeachment

•Abuse of Power

•Obstruction of Justice

•Contempt of Congress

Only President to Resign Office!

Gerald FordGerald Ford

-Issued Nixon a full pardon

-Popularity dropped

-Solid Democratic Majority in 1974 Mid-term Election

-Use of veto… Many congressional overrides

-Anti-inflation policies caused worst recession in since 1930s

1976 Election1976 Election

Jimmy Carter: Domestic PolicyJimmy Carter: Domestic PolicyDomestic Policy

•Washington Outsider

•Dept of Energy

•Environmentalism

•Alaska Reserves

•Toxic Waster Fund

•Alternative Energy & Conservation

•Dept of Education

Jimmy Carter: Economic PolicyJimmy Carter: Economic Policy

Deregulation: Airline, Trucking, Banking, Communications… Carter began in 1978, but Reagan reaped economic benefit

Continued Stagflation

Loosening credit caused inflation

Tightening credit caused recession

Jimmy Carter: Foreign PolicyJimmy Carter: Foreign Policy

-Human Rights Emphasis -Panama Canal

-Covert Ops in Afghanistan -Continue Détente

-Iranian Hostage Crisis -Camp David Accords

The Election of 1980The Election of 1980

1984 Election1984 Election

Reagan: Domestic PolicyReagan: Domestic Policy•Washington Outsider…

•Actor… Simple Message

•“New Right” Tapped into Evangelical Christians, Fiscal Conservatives, Anti-Communist Nationalists

•Small Government… attacked welfare, social spending, business & environmental regulations

•Family Values

Reagan: Economic PolicyReagan: Economic Policy•Supply-side

•Tax Cuts

•Increased Defense Spending

•Massive Deficit Spending

•FED tightened credit…

•Deregulation

•Savings & Loans

-1980-1984: Recession

-1984-1987: Expansion

Ronald Reagan: Foreign PolicyRonald Reagan: Foreign Policy•Reagan Doctrine: U.S. will aid “freedom fighters” trying to overthrow communism

•“Evil Empire:” Bipolarism

•Lebanon

•Grenada

•INF Treaty

•Iran-Contra Scandal

•Bombing of Libya

1988 Presidential Election1988 Presidential Election

George H.W. Bush: Domestic PolicyGeorge H.W. Bush: Domestic Policy

•Americans w Disabilities Act

• AIDS

•Clean Air Act of 1990

•Clarence Thomas Supreme Court Controversy

•L.A. Race Riots

George H. W. Bush : Economic PolicyGeorge H. W. Bush : Economic Policy

•Continued Deficits & Debt

•Post Gulf War Recession

•Trade Deficit

George H.W. Bush: Foreign PolicyGeorge H.W. Bush: Foreign Policy

•Fall of Communism

•Tiananmen Square Massacre in China

•Invasion of Panama

•Desert Storm

•Deter Iraqi Aggression

•Stability in Mid-East

•Protect oil resources

1992 Presidential Election1992 Presidential Election

We’ve Decided to AdoptWe’ve Decided to Adopt

1996 Election1996 Election

Bill Clinton: Domestic PolicyBill Clinton: Domestic Policy•Brady Bill: Gun Control

•Welfare Reform

•Hate Crimes Law

•Multiculturalism

•Americorps

•Y2K Problem

•Domestic Terrorism

•Oklahoma City

•Unabomber

•Columbine Shooting

Bill Clinton: Economic PolicyBill Clinton: Economic Policy•NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

•Globalization

•Defense Spending Cuts

•Budget conflicts w/ GOP

•Balanced Budget by 2000

“It’s the economy stupid!”

Economic Expansion: 1992-2000, Dot-Com Boom

Bill Clinton: Foreign PolicyBill Clinton: Foreign Policy•Human Rights

•Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, & Kosovo

•Rwanda

•Iraq: Sanctions, Inspections & Bombings

•War on DrugsTerrorism

First World Trade Center Bombing, African Embassy Bombings, U.S.S. Cole Bombing

Bill Clinton: ImpeachmentBill Clinton: ImpeachmentKen Starr Investigations

-Whitewater

-Paula Jones

-Monica Lewinsky

Impeachment Charges

-Perjury

-Obstruction of Justice

Partisan Vote… no removal

The Teflon PresidentThe Teflon President

-Clinton’s approval rating remained above 60% even at the height of the impeachment process.

-Polls showed that most Americans disapproved of impeachment.

-Voting occurred along party lines.

-House of Reps achieved simple majority needed to impeach.

-Senate fell far short of the 2/3 majority needed to remove the President.

The Election of 2000The Election of 2000

George W. Bush: Economic PolicyGeorge W. Bush: Economic Policy

Tax Cuts, Return to Supply-side

•Bankruptcy Reform

•Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)

George W. Bush: Domestic PolicyGeorge W. Bush: Domestic Policy-No Child Left Behind

-Domestic War on Terror

Airport Security

Dept. Homeland Security

-Faith-Based Initiatives

-Social Security Reform

-Medicare Prescription Benefit

-Arctic Drilling/Energy

George W. Bush: Foreign PolicyGeorge W. Bush: Foreign Policy•China Spy Plane Crisis

•War on Terror

•Bush Doctrine: Go after any country that supports or harbors terrorists… “Axis of Evil”

•Afghanistan

•Preemption

•2nd Gulf War

•Terrorism, WMD, Democracy

Unilateralism:

•Kyoto Treaty, “Star Wars,” International Criminal Court, Geneva Accords, Iraq…

Election of 2000Election of 2000

Florida: Election of 2000 Florida: Election of 2000 Results by CountyResults by County

Election of 2000Election of 2000

Gore wins nation-wide popular Gore wins nation-wide popular votevote

Florida Election DisputedFlorida Election Disputed Confusion Caused by Butterfly Confusion Caused by Butterfly

Ballots in Palm Beach & Dade Ballots in Palm Beach & Dade Counties Counties

Recount ordered by Florida Recount ordered by Florida State Supreme CourtState Supreme Court

Bush v. Gore (2000) U.S. Bush v. Gore (2000) U.S. Supreme Court Orders Supreme Court Orders Recount to End… Bush winsRecount to End… Bush wins

2004 Election2004 Election

2004 Election Results by County2004 Election Results by County

3D 2004 Election Results3D 2004 Election Results

Ohio: 2004 Election Ohio: 2004 Election Results by CountyResults by County

2008 Election Map2008 Election Map

2008 Presidential Election by County2008 Presidential Election by County

2008 Election Map by County 2008 Election Map by County Relative to PopulationRelative to Population