Nixon and the Nixon and the ’70s’70s

By Brad Harris,By Brad Harris,Grand Prairie HSGrand Prairie HS

The Election of 1968The Election of 1968

The 1968 presidential election marked a shift to The 1968 presidential election marked a shift to the right in American politicsthe right in American politics. .

The 1960's began as an era of optimism but the The 1960's began as an era of optimism but the events of the decade led to public trust in the events of the decade led to public trust in the government and produced a backlash against government and produced a backlash against liberal movements and the Democratic party. liberal movements and the Democratic party.

The Election of 1968The Election of 1968

The “Silent Majority” were Americans who paid taxes, did not demonstrate, and desired a restoration of "law and

order.”

Nixon campaigned as a champion of the “Silent Majority"

The Southern Strategy

An important reason for Nixon’s victory An important reason for Nixon’s victory was the support he received in the was the support he received in the

SouthSouthThe effort to sway southern voters to the The effort to sway southern voters to the Republicans was known as the Southern Republicans was known as the Southern

StrategyStrategyNixon gained the South’s support by promising several things:Nixon gained the South’s support by promising several things:To oppose court-ordered busing of students to integrate To oppose court-ordered busing of students to integrate schoolsschoolsTo choose a vice-presidential candidate who was from the To choose a vice-presidential candidate who was from the SouthSouthTo only appoint conservatives to federal courtsTo only appoint conservatives to federal courtsTo appoint a Southerner to the Supreme CourtTo appoint a Southerner to the Supreme CourtSince the Election of 1968, the South has Since the Election of 1968, the South has

been a Republican stronghold in been a Republican stronghold in electionselections

New Federalism Nixon’s domestic policies became Nixon’s domestic policies became

known as “New Federalism”known as “New Federalism” It called for eliminating several It called for eliminating several

federal programs and giving more federal programs and giving more control to state and local control to state and local governmentsgovernments

Nixon claimed that this would give Nixon claimed that this would give the government agencies that were the government agencies that were the closest to the people the the closest to the people the opportunity to address problemsopportunity to address problems

Although “revenue sharing” was Although “revenue sharing” was suppose to give state and local suppose to give state and local governments more power, the governments more power, the federal government became more federal government became more powerfulpowerful

Crisis in the Middle EastTensions in the Tensions in the

Middle East Middle East escalated in 1956 escalated in 1956

when Egypt when Egypt nationalized the nationalized the

Suez CanalSuez Canal

This led to a war over control of the This led to a war over control of the canal between Egypt, Israel, the UK canal between Egypt, Israel, the UK

and Franceand France

Middle East ConflictsTensions in the Middle Tensions in the Middle

East escalated during the East escalated during the Nixon administrationNixon administration

Fighting broke out on Fighting broke out on two occasions two occasions

between Israel and between Israel and Arab countriesArab countries

The Six-Day WarThe Six-Day War was The Six-Day War was

fought in 1967 between fought in 1967 between Israel, Egypt, Jordan Israel, Egypt, Jordan

and Syria over control and Syria over control of land in the Middle of land in the Middle

EastEast

The conflict led to Israel The conflict led to Israel taking control over the taking control over the

Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, the West Bank Heights, the West Bank

and the Gaza Stripand the Gaza Strip

Yom Kippur WarIn 1973, Egypt and In 1973, Egypt and

Syria retaliated Syria retaliated against Israel in a against Israel in a

conflict known as the conflict known as the Yom Kippur WarYom Kippur War

In this conflict, Egypt In this conflict, Egypt regained control of the regained control of the

Sinai Peninsula and Syria Sinai Peninsula and Syria reclaimed parts of the reclaimed parts of the

Golan HeightsGolan Heights

U.S.-Israeli allianceThe conflicts in the The conflicts in the

Middle East Middle East strengthened the ties strengthened the ties between the U.S. and between the U.S. and

IsraelIsrael

These ties have led to These ties have led to tensions between the tensions between the U.S. and some Arab U.S. and some Arab

nationsnations

Vietnam WarVietnam War

The biggest foreign policy issues The biggest foreign policy issues Nixon had to deal with during his Nixon had to deal with during his presidency was dealing with the presidency was dealing with the

Vietnam War Vietnam War

Nixon and Foreign Affairs

President Nixon President Nixon was hailed for his was hailed for his

foreign affairs foreign affairs savvysavvy One key reason for One key reason for

this was his this was his Secretary of State, Secretary of State,

Henry KissingerHenry Kissinger

Détente with Russia, China

President Nixon tours the Great Wall of ChinaPresident Nixon tours the Great Wall of China

One of Nixon’s foreign One of Nixon’s foreign affairs goals was affairs goals was

friendlier relations with friendlier relations with China and the Soviet China and the Soviet

UnionUnion

Nixon and Kissinger Nixon and Kissinger developed a foreign developed a foreign

affairs policy known as affairs policy known as détentedétente, which means , which means

cooperationcooperation

Mao Tse-tung greets Nixon

Nixon opened U.S. relations with Nixon opened U.S. relations with China and became the first U.S. China and became the first U.S.

president to visit Chinapresident to visit China

Strategic Arms Limitations Talks

Summit meeting between U.S. and Soviet Summit meeting between U.S. and Soviet Union when the two countries agreed to Union when the two countries agreed to

limit nuclear armslimit nuclear arms

Nixon also strengthened relations with Nixon also strengthened relations with the Soviet Union, including holding a the Soviet Union, including holding a

historic meeting -- SALThistoric meeting -- SALT

Détente with Russia

From 1972 to 1974, From 1972 to 1974, tensions between the U.S. tensions between the U.S.

and the Soviet Union and the Soviet Union easedeased

Election of 1972

Nixon re-elected in Nixon re-elected in a routa rout

The Pentagon PapersIn 1971, a former Defense In 1971, a former Defense Department worker leaked Department worker leaked what were known as the what were known as the Pentagon Papers to the Pentagon Papers to the New York TimesNew York Times

The documents The documents showed how showed how

our leaders had our leaders had deceived deceived

Congress, the Congress, the media, and the media, and the

public about public about how the war how the war was goingwas going

The The government government had not been had not been honest with honest with the American the American peoplepeople

Roots of Watergate

The release of the Pentagon Papers The release of the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times angered to the New York Times angered

NixonNixonHe thought others were out to He thought others were out to sabotage his presidency and sabotage his presidency and undermine him, leading to…undermine him, leading to…

Coming Coming up:up:Nixon Nixon

andandWatergaWaterga

tete

Nixon and Nixon and WatergateWatergate

By Brad Harris, Grand Prairie HS

What was What was Watergate?Watergate?Watergate was one Watergate was one

of the largest of the largest political scandals political scandals in the history of in the history of

the United Statesthe United States

What was What was Watergate?Watergate?

The Watergate scandal occurred The Watergate scandal occurred when the Republicans were caught when the Republicans were caught

spying on the Democrats at the spying on the Democrats at the Democratic HeadquartersDemocratic Headquarters

What was What was Watergate?Watergate?

Watergate became a major scandal Watergate became a major scandal when President Nixon lied about when President Nixon lied about

his role in the break-in and tried to his role in the break-in and tried to cover it up cover it up

Roots of WatergateRoots of Watergate

When the When the New York Times New York Times and and Washington PostWashington Post began to publish began to publish the Pentagon Papers, the Nixon the Pentagon Papers, the Nixon

Administration sued them.Administration sued them.

Roots of WatergateRoots of Watergate

It was Richard Nixon’s paranoia that It was Richard Nixon’s paranoia that his enemies wanted to ruin his his enemies wanted to ruin his

presidency that was at the root of presidency that was at the root of the Watergate scandalthe Watergate scandal

The White House The White House PlumbersPlumbers

Howard HuntHoward Hunt G. Gordon LiddyG. Gordon LiddyJames McCordJames McCord Chuck ColsonChuck Colson

This unit was called the “Plumbers” This unit was called the “Plumbers” because they were put in charge of because they were put in charge of

stopping information “leaks”.stopping information “leaks”.

After the release of the Pentagon Papers, After the release of the Pentagon Papers, the White House created a unit to ensure the White House created a unit to ensure

internal security. internal security.

When initial polls showed Nixon only When initial polls showed Nixon only slightly ahead in the Election of 1972, slightly ahead in the Election of 1972, the Plumbers turned their activities to the Plumbers turned their activities to

political espionage.political espionage.

The Watergate The Watergate Break-inBreak-in

The Watergate The Watergate Break-inBreak-in

On June 17, 1972, 5 men were arrested On June 17, 1972, 5 men were arrested attempting to bug Democratic attempting to bug Democratic

headquarters inside the Watergate headquarters inside the Watergate building in Washington D.C. building in Washington D.C.

The Washington The Washington Post Post

Watergate came to public attention largely Watergate came to public attention largely through the work of Bob Woodward and through the work of Bob Woodward and

Carl Bernstein, investigative reporters from Carl Bernstein, investigative reporters from the the Washington PostWashington Post

Sirica’s investigation Sirica’s investigation transformed Watergate from transformed Watergate from

a “third-rate burglary” to a a “third-rate burglary” to a major scandal.major scandal.

Watergate Watergate InvestigationsInvestigations

In March 1973, defendant In March 1973, defendant James McCord informed James McCord informed

Judge John Sirica that Judge John Sirica that Watergate was a conspiracy. Watergate was a conspiracy.

Congressional Congressional HearingsHearings

Congress began hearings to investigate the Congress began hearings to investigate the scandal and found that Nixon’s Attorney scandal and found that Nixon’s Attorney

General, John Mitchell, controlled a fund to General, John Mitchell, controlled a fund to pay for espionage operationspay for espionage operations

In June 1973, former White House legal counsel John Dean delivered

testimony that implicated Nixon from the earliest days of Watergate

Congressional Congressional HearingsHearings

The Oval Office The Oval Office TapesTapes

In an effort to discredit Dean’s testimony, the White In an effort to discredit Dean’s testimony, the White House announced that Nixon had secretly been House announced that Nixon had secretly been

tape-recording conversations. These tapes would tape-recording conversations. These tapes would become the focus of the investigation.become the focus of the investigation.

When the Supreme Court forced Nixon When the Supreme Court forced Nixon to surrender the tapes, he refused to surrender the tapes, he refused

invoking “executive privilege”invoking “executive privilege”

The Smoking Gun The Smoking Gun TapesTapes

The Saturday Night The Saturday Night Massacre Massacre The Administration reached The Administration reached

an agreement with the an agreement with the Senate Watergate Senate Watergate Committee that its Chairman Committee that its Chairman would be allowed to listen to would be allowed to listen to tapes and provide a tapes and provide a transcript to the Committee transcript to the Committee and to Special Prosecutor and to Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox. Archibald Cox.

The deal broke down when The deal broke down when Cox refused to accept the Cox refused to accept the transcripts in place of the transcripts in place of the tapes. tapes.

Since the Special Prosecutor Since the Special Prosecutor is an employee of the Justice is an employee of the Justice Department, Nixon ordered Department, Nixon ordered Attorney General Elliot Attorney General Elliot Richardson to fire Cox. Richardson to fire Cox.

Archibald Cox

The Saturday Night The Saturday Night MassacreMassacre When Richardson refused, When Richardson refused,

he was fired. he was fired. Nixon ordered Deputy Nixon ordered Deputy

Attorney General William Attorney General William D. Ruckelshaus to fire Cox.D. Ruckelshaus to fire Cox.

When he refused, he was When he refused, he was fired. fired.

Nixon then ordered Nixon then ordered Solicitor General Robert Solicitor General Robert Bork (who was later Bork (who was later nominated for the Supreme nominated for the Supreme Court by Reagan) to fire Court by Reagan) to fire Cox and he complied.Cox and he complied.

The The Washington PostWashington Post reported on the “Saturday reported on the “Saturday Night Massacre.”Night Massacre.”

Robert Bork

The Oval Office The Oval Office TapesTapes

On October 23, 1973 Nixon agreed to On October 23, 1973 Nixon agreed to turn over White House tape recordings turn over White House tape recordings

requested by the Watergate special requested by the Watergate special prosecutor to Judge Sirica.prosecutor to Judge Sirica.

Many of the conversations on the tapes indicate Nixon’s knowledge of

the Watergate break in and the following cover-up. One tape had an

18½ -minute gap that people questioned.

The Smoking Gun The Smoking Gun TapesTapes

On July 27, 1974, the House Judiciary Committee approved Articles of

Impeachment against Nixon. The House was set to vote on the matter.

Nixon’s Final DaysNixon’s Final Days

On August 5, 1974, when the “smoking gun tape” became public,

Nixon was told that he would not survive the vote in the Senate

On August 9, 1974, Richard Nixon became the first American

president to resign

Nixon ResignsNixon Resigns

Aftermath of Aftermath of WatergateWatergate

Gerald Ford became the nation’s 37Gerald Ford became the nation’s 37thth president. president. More than 30 government officials went to prison More than 30 government officials went to prison

for their role in Watergate. Nixon was not one of for their role in Watergate. Nixon was not one of them. them.

In September 1974, Ford gave Nixon a full pardon. In September 1974, Ford gave Nixon a full pardon. There was a public distrust of the government that There was a public distrust of the government that

continues to this day.continues to this day.

Carter and the Carter and the ‘70s‘70s

U.S. celebrates Bicentennial

On July 4, 1976, the United States celebrated its bicentennial (200th birthday)

Election of 1976In the 1976 Presidential Election, the Republicans nominated the In the 1976 Presidential Election, the Republicans nominated the

sitting president Gerald Ford as their candidatesitting president Gerald Ford as their candidate

The Democrats nominated a relative unknown, Georgia Governor The Democrats nominated a relative unknown, Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, who had once been a peanut farmerJimmy Carter, who had once been a peanut farmer

In a close In a close election, Carter election, Carter defeated Ford defeated Ford to become the to become the nation’s 39nation’s 39thth president.president.

Texas was a key Texas was a key state in the state in the victory for victory for

Carter.Carter.

Gerald Ford, Republican Jimmy Carter, Democrat

Election of 1976

Carter won 40.8 million votes and 297 electoral votesFord won 39.1 million votes and 240 electoral votes

The Carter YearsThe Carter YearsJimmy Carter was liked by Jimmy Carter was liked by

many because he was a many because he was a Southern Democrat who Southern Democrat who

was not a Washington was not a Washington insiderinsider

But Carter’s Presidency But Carter’s Presidency was troubled by the Iran was troubled by the Iran

hostage crisis and an hostage crisis and an economic downturneconomic downturn

Middle East TurmoilMiddle East Turmoil Trouble began in the Middle East Trouble began in the Middle East

following World War II with the following World War II with the creation of Israel.creation of Israel.

During the wars, the During the wars, the United States supported United States supported Israel due to our close Israel due to our close Judea-Christian ties.Judea-Christian ties.

The conflict led to two wars The conflict led to two wars between Israel and numerous between Israel and numerous

Muslim-dominated Arab countriesMuslim-dominated Arab countries

OPEC oil embargoOPEC oil embargoOPEC is the Organization of OPEC is the Organization of

Petroleum Exporting Countries and it Petroleum Exporting Countries and it was founded in 1960 by five founding was founded in 1960 by five founding

members: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi members: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.Arabia and Venezuela.

In response to the U.S. In response to the U.S. support of Israel, in support of Israel, in

1973 OPEC placed an 1973 OPEC placed an oil embargo on the oil embargo on the

U.S.U.S.

Gas ShortagesGas ShortagesThe OPEC oil embargo The OPEC oil embargo led to gas shortages in led to gas shortages in the United States and the United States and throughout the world.throughout the world.

Gas prices skyrocketed and Gas prices skyrocketed and people were limited to the amount people were limited to the amount

of gasoline they could buy.of gasoline they could buy.

Gas ShortagesGas Shortages

Long lines and hours of waiting to get gas were common Long lines and hours of waiting to get gas were common sights in the 1970s.sights in the 1970s.

Iran Hostage CrisisIran Hostage Crisis

The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic crisis between The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic crisis between Iran and the U.S. when 53 Americans were held hostage Iran and the U.S. when 53 Americans were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981

Iran Hostage CrisisIran Hostage Crisis

The hostages were taken captive by Islamic militants who The hostages were taken captive by Islamic militants who took over the American Embassy in response to the U.S. took over the American Embassy in response to the U.S.

allowing the former Shah of Iran to come to the U.S.allowing the former Shah of Iran to come to the U.S.

Iran Hostage CrisisIran Hostage Crisis

The American hostages were held in captivity for The American hostages were held in captivity for 444 days and not released until after Carter was 444 days and not released until after Carter was

defeated in the 1980 election and left office. defeated in the 1980 election and left office.

Camp David AccordsCamp David Accords

One of the greatest achievements of Carter was in his foreign One of the greatest achievements of Carter was in his foreign policy.policy.

Carter negotiated a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt Carter negotiated a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt that was known as the Camp David Accords, signed in September that was known as the Camp David Accords, signed in September

1978.1978. Carter’s work with foreign countries eventually earned him the Carter’s work with foreign countries eventually earned him the

Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Jonestown MassacreJonestown Massacre

Americans were shocked in 1978 when Americans were shocked in 1978 when The Peoples Temple, a religious cult, The Peoples Temple, a religious cult, had a mass suicide that left nearly had a mass suicide that left nearly

1,000 people dead1,000 people dead

Three Mile Island Three Mile Island disasterdisasterThe Three Mile Island disaster is The Three Mile Island disaster is

when a nuclear power facility in when a nuclear power facility in Pennsylvania had a core meltdown.Pennsylvania had a core meltdown.

The meltdown led to The meltdown led to radioactive gases being leaked radioactive gases being leaked

into the air.into the air.

The incident occurred in March of The incident occurred in March of 1979 and was the worst nuclear 1979 and was the worst nuclear power accident in U.S. historypower accident in U.S. history

Election of 1980

Pop Culture of the Pop Culture of the 70s70s

BellbottomsBellbottoms

CB RadiosCB Radios

JoggingJoggingPet RocksPet Rocks

DiscoDisco

Pop Culture of the Pop Culture of the 70s70s

All in the FamilyAll in the Family

Happy DaysHappy Days

The Brady BunchThe Brady Bunch

TopTopTVTV

ShowsShows

Mary Tyler Moore ShowMary Tyler Moore Show

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Coming Up NextComing Up Next

ReaganReaganand the ’80sand the ’80s

Reagan and the Reagan and the ’80s’80s

The Miracle on IceThe Miracle on Ice

The U.S. victory over Russia in the 1980 winter The U.S. victory over Russia in the 1980 winter Olympics restored American pride after a difficult Olympics restored American pride after a difficult

decade for the nationdecade for the nation

Rise of Rise of ConservatismConservatism

Conservative ideas gained support for two main reasons

• Some Americans believed that the Some Americans believed that the government’s role in the economy was leading government’s role in the economy was leading

the U.S. towards communismthe U.S. towards communism• Many Americans saw the Cold War as a Many Americans saw the Cold War as a

battle between good and evilbattle between good and evil

Conservative Republican Right

Capitalism

Liberal Democrat Left Socialism

Fiscally: Limited government spending, lower taxes

Socially: Strict enforcement of laws, moral values

Fiscally: Government programs to help poor, elderly, children

Socially: Protection of personal freedoms and liberties

Rise of Rise of ConservatismConservatism

The leading voice of the The leading voice of the conservative movement conservative movement became a former actor became a former actor named Ronald Reagannamed Ronald Reagan

Conservatism Conservatism grew throughout grew throughout

a region of the a region of the nation known as nation known as

the Sunbelt. the Sunbelt. Because most Because most people in this people in this

region are region are religious, the religious, the

area was known area was known as the Bible Beltas the Bible Belt

Ronald Reagan had gained Ronald Reagan had gained popularity as a Hollywood popularity as a Hollywood

movie star before becoming movie star before becoming Governor of California in 1967Governor of California in 1967

Reagan rises to Reagan rises to powerpower

Left, Ronald Reagan with Marilyn Left, Ronald Reagan with Marilyn Monroe; above, Reagan following his Monroe; above, Reagan following his victory in California governors racevictory in California governors race

Ronald Reagan takes Ronald Reagan takes overover

Because people saw Reagan as a Because people saw Reagan as a symbol of hope and pride, Reagan symbol of hope and pride, Reagan

defeated Carter in a landslide defeated Carter in a landslide

People were upset People were upset with Carter over with Carter over

the economy, Iran the economy, Iran hostage crisishostage crisis

Election of 1980Election of 1980

ReagonomicsReagonomics

Reagan brought to the presidency new economic policies, Reagan brought to the presidency new economic policies, advocating a limited government and economic laissez-faire advocating a limited government and economic laissez-faire philosophy. Reagan believed that the government should not philosophy. Reagan believed that the government should not

regulate big businesses that would keep them from prospering.regulate big businesses that would keep them from prospering.

ReagonomicsReagonomicsReaganomics believed in: Reaganomics believed in:

Cutting taxes would help Cutting taxes would help businesses use money they businesses use money they didn’t have to pay to the didn’t have to pay to the government to make new government to make new investmentsinvestmentsIncreasing the growth of Increasing the growth of the business and create new the business and create new jobsjobsMore goods for consumers, More goods for consumers, lower prices, while lower prices, while consumers would have consumers would have more money to spend.more money to spend.

Reagan Reshapes Reagan Reshapes CourtCourtPresident Reagan was able to sway President Reagan was able to sway

the U.S. Supreme Court to the right the U.S. Supreme Court to the right with the appointments of two with the appointments of two

conservatives – Antonin Scalia and conservatives – Antonin Scalia and Sandra Day O’ConnorSandra Day O’Connor

O’Connor was the first O’Connor was the first woman chosen for the woman chosen for the

Supreme CourtSupreme Court

Reagan DoctrineReagan DoctrineReagan believed the U.S. should support groups that Reagan believed the U.S. should support groups that were fighting to overthrow Communists governments. were fighting to overthrow Communists governments.

This policy was called the Reagan Doctrine. This policy was called the Reagan Doctrine.

In Afghanistan, Reagan In Afghanistan, Reagan sent aid Afghani freedom sent aid Afghani freedom fighters known as the fighters known as the Mujahedeen, who were Mujahedeen, who were fighting off a Soviet fighting off a Soviet invasion. invasion.

Two places Reagan Two places Reagan implemented this policy implemented this policy

were Afghanistan in were Afghanistan in Southwest Asia and Southwest Asia and

Nicaragua in Central Nicaragua in Central America. America.

Reagan’s involvement in Nicaragua led to a Reagan’s involvement in Nicaragua led to a scandal that came to be known as the Iran-Contra scandal that came to be known as the Iran-Contra

scandal.scandal.

Iran-Contra Iran-Contra ScandalScandalThe Iran-Contra affair The Iran-Contra affair

was a scandal during was a scandal during Reagan’s presidency Reagan’s presidency

over an arms-for-over an arms-for-hostages deal with Iran hostages deal with Iran

in exchange funds for in exchange funds for Nicaraguan rebels Nicaraguan rebels

known as the Contrasknown as the Contras

Members of the Reagan administration secretly arranged Members of the Reagan administration secretly arranged for the illegal sale of arms to Iran in exchange for hostagesfor the illegal sale of arms to Iran in exchange for hostages

The money was then illegally funneled to support an The money was then illegally funneled to support an attempted over-throw of Nicaragua's communist government attempted over-throw of Nicaragua's communist government

Iran-Contra Iran-Contra ScandalScandalThe key figure in the Iran-The key figure in the Iran-

Contra scandal was a Contra scandal was a military aide to the National military aide to the National Security Council, Lieutenant Security Council, Lieutenant

Colonel Oliver North Colonel Oliver North

Democrats called for an investigation and Democrats called for an investigation and wanted to find out if President Reagan knew wanted to find out if President Reagan knew

of the illegal activities, but no evidence of the illegal activities, but no evidence implicating Reagan was ever foundimplicating Reagan was ever found

$$$$$$=

Arms Iran Contras

Hezbollah

No more hostagesNo more hostages

Money

Iran-Contra Iran-Contra ScandalScandal

NicaraguaIran

Reagan wins re-Reagan wins re-electionelection

Reagan’s win in 1984 was the largest landslide in Reagan’s win in 1984 was the largest landslide in U.S. historyU.S. history

Space Shuttle Space Shuttle launchedlaunchedThe United The United

States States launched the launched the

first space first space shuttle on April shuttle on April

12, 198112, 1981

The space shuttle The space shuttle ColumbiaColumbia was the was the first of over 100 first of over 100 shuttle missions shuttle missions

flownflown

Challenger DisasterChallenger DisasterDisaster hit the program Disaster hit the program

on January 20, 1986 on January 20, 1986 when the shuttle when the shuttle

ChallengerChallenger exploded exploded shortly after takeoffshortly after takeoff

The crash killed the entire The crash killed the entire seven member crew, seven member crew,

including teacher Christa including teacher Christa McAuliffeMcAuliffe

Reagan and the Cold Reagan and the Cold WarWarPresident Reagan abandoned the President Reagan abandoned the

believe in détente. He viewed the believe in détente. He viewed the Soviet Union as evil and believed Soviet Union as evil and believed that the U.S. should not negotiate that the U.S. should not negotiate with the Russianswith the RussiansReagan believed the U.S. had to be Reagan believed the U.S. had to be strong militarily to deal with the strong militarily to deal with the Soviet Union. He began a huge Soviet Union. He began a huge military buildup called Star Wars.military buildup called Star Wars.The Star Wars program was a The Star Wars program was a defense system that would shoot defense system that would shoot Soviet missiles out of the sky in Soviet missiles out of the sky in space before they reached the space before they reached the United States. United States.

In a speech at the Brandenburg Gate In a speech at the Brandenburg Gate by the Berlin Wall on June 12, 1987, by the Berlin Wall on June 12, 1987,

Reagan challenged Soviet leader Reagan challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this

wall”.wall”.

Reagan and the Reagan and the Cold WarCold War

Bush takes Bush takes overover

In the Election of 1988, most people saw In the Election of 1988, most people saw Reagan’s vice-president – George Bush – as a Reagan’s vice-president – George Bush – as a solid choice to continue the Reagan policiessolid choice to continue the Reagan policies

Bush made a pledge to Bush made a pledge to the American people the American people

when he said “read my when he said “read my lips, no new taxes.” lips, no new taxes.”

Democrats nominated Massachusetts Governor Democrats nominated Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, who promised more programs Michael Dukakis, who promised more programs

to help minorities and the poorto help minorities and the poor

Most saw Dukakis as Most saw Dukakis as too liberal, leading to too liberal, leading to a landslide election a landslide election

victory by Bush victory by Bush

Election of 1988Election of 1988

George BushGeorge BushMichael Dukakis

Exxon Valdez disasterExxon Valdez disaster

In March of 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran In March of 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground at Prince William Sound in Alaska. aground at Prince William Sound in Alaska.

The result was an oil spill of 10.8 million The result was an oil spill of 10.8 million gallons that gallons that was the nation’s worst was the nation’s worst

environmental disaster in it’s history to environmental disaster in it’s history to date.date.

Tiananmen Square Tiananmen Square MassacreMassacre

In 1989, Chinese students held protests In 1989, Chinese students held protests for democracy in Tiananmen Square, the for democracy in Tiananmen Square, the town center of Beijing. Hundreds were town center of Beijing. Hundreds were

executed and thousands more were executed and thousands more were either jailed or exiled. The U.S. either jailed or exiled. The U.S.

responded by placing trade sanctions on responded by placing trade sanctions on China.China.

Fall of the Berlin WallFall of the Berlin Wall

With democratic ideas spreading throughout With democratic ideas spreading throughout Eastern Europe, change came quickly. In Eastern Europe, change came quickly. In

November of 1989, the Berlin Wall gates were November of 1989, the Berlin Wall gates were opened. East Berliners came streaming opened. East Berliners came streaming

through as free people for the first time in 40 through as free people for the first time in 40 years. Within days, the wall was leveled.years. Within days, the wall was leveled.

End of the Cold End of the Cold WarWar

Within a year after the Within a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany – a country Germany – a country divided the previous 40 divided the previous 40 years – was reunited.years – was reunited.

While Germany was While Germany was reuniting as a reuniting as a

democratic country, democratic country, by 1991 the Soviet by 1991 the Soviet

Union was beginning Union was beginning to break apart.to break apart.

In December of In December of 1991, Gorbachev 1991, Gorbachev -- now a leader of -- now a leader of a government that a government that no longer existed no longer existed -- announced the -- announced the end of the Soviet end of the Soviet Union. The Cold Union. The Cold War was over.War was over.

Pop Culture of the Pop Culture of the 80s80s

Valley Girl LookValley Girl Look

Original Nike’sOriginal Nike’s

JoggingJoggingChiai PetChiai Pet

Pac-ManPac-Man

Pop Culture of the Pop Culture of the 80s80s

The Cosby ShowThe Cosby Show

Top TVTop TVShowsShows

The A-TeamThe A-Team

Married with ChildrenMarried with ChildrenDallasDallas

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MoviesMovies

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COMING UP COMING UP NEXT:NEXT:Clinton Clinton

and the and the ’90s’90s