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Richard M. Nixon

January 9, 1913 (Yorba Linda, California) - April 22, 1994 (New York, New York)

Political Party: Republican

Terms: January 20, 1969 - August 9, 1974 (one term and a partial second term)

Vice Presidents: Spiro Agnew (1969-1973) and Gerald Ford (1973-1974)

Thematic context- An important part of the Nixon generation is the ever-changing culture faced by many all across the country. In the mid- to late-20th century, the American mindset was changing drastically from the traditional social roles of men and women, all the while acquiring new social movements to conform to modern ideals. From the hippies/peace corps, to the ever-relevant racial segregation in the south, to the evolving women’s rights movement, cultural and social changes took great prevalence in the modern society.

Thesis- Richard M. Nixon, 37th president of the United States, was a great man, no question about it. His administration as president, however, could easily prove otherwise. Marked by scandal and overall public discontent, Nixon’s one and a half terms were some of the most disappointing of the modern era. His two-faced Vietnamization program, the unfortunate Watergate scandal, and pitiful resignation in 1974 were several reasons for public shame on the president. Despite good intentions and powerful character, this president earns a C- for not accurately living up to his potential.

Goals- In his first inaugural address, Nixon touched on the importance of thinking before speaking and decreasing “inflated rhetoric that promises more than it can deliver.” The president states, “We cannot learn from one another until we stop shouting at each other--until we speak quietly enough so that our words can be heard as well as our voices...” This is an important statement in the development of the public understanding of Nixon’s presidential form. He was a strong negotiator and debater. This side of his work can be seen in the Vietnamization program. Attempting to negotiate with Vietnamese citizens to fight for the United States army, his ultimate plan was to bring American troops home in a safe, timely manner. In his second inaugural address the president states, “At every turn we have been beset by those who find everything wrong with America and little that is right...I am confident that this will not be the judgment of history on these remarkable times in which we are privileged to live.” This could be a representation of Nixon’s plans to turn around negative facets of America, or perhaps, negative facets of the president himself. Nonetheless, Nixon’s goals are clear. Eliminate negative ideals toward the country, and improve the international status nation from the inside.

Congressional Relations- The 37th president did not have the greatest relationship with his Congress. For example, Nixon advocated a "New Federalism", which would devolve power to state and local elected officials, though Congress was hostile to these ideas and enacted few of them. This hostility can be seen throughout the presidency. In 1972, Congress overrode Nixon’s veto of the Clean Water Act, an action quite becoming of a frustrated Congress. Congress was controlled by the democrats during Nixon’s administration, which seems to be a logical rationale for Congressional hostility, seeing as the president was strongly conservative.

Positive action- Environmental protection. In the current time of Nixon’s presidency, social changes dealing with environmental and institutional reform were running high. The Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1970 to monitor, regulate, reduce, and control pollution. This establishment greatly appeased social reformers of the time, specifically the hippie movement and their interest in a cleaner, more natural environment.

Negative action- Watergate Scandal. Five government workers were convicted of a third-rate burglary from inside the federal system. This conviction was traced back to Nixon and was a huge disgrace to his leadership and his presidential integrity. This scandal provoked closer watch on the president and often betrayal of democratic diplomats inside the government. The public shame faced by Nixon as a result of this was too much for him to handle. Talk of impeachment became a popular ideal. Nixon, seeing no way of escape, resigned on August 9, 1974.

Influential decision- New China Policy. President Nixon was the first leader to reach out to a communist country. He took his diplomatic stance one step further and admitted China to the United Nations. This action in foreign policy was greatly significant to America’s future relations with China. As a nation, almost everywhere, ‘Made in China’ can be seen on nearly everything. This is just one modern example of vast progression in foreign policy in China.

Conclusion- Nixon was not a bad man. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nonetheless, the scandals traced back to his administration were only explainable by his merit, and was looked down upon by society. His two-faced Vietnamization program, the unfortunate Watergate scandal, and pitiful resignation in 1974 were several reasons for public shame on the president. Despite good intentions and powerful character, this president earns a C- for not accurately living up to his potential.

Bibliography Degregorio, William A. The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents. 6th edition ed. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade Books, Inc., 2005. Print. "Richard Nixon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2013.