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Richard Milhous Nixon January 9, 1913 (Yorba Linda, CA) – April 22, 1994 (New York City, NY) Political Party: Republican Terms: (Two) January 20, 1969 – August 9, 1974 Vice Presidents: Spiro Agnew (1969 – 1973), Gerald Ford (1973 – 1974)

During Nixon’s presidency America was being impacted by the pressures of other countries. With the Cold War and the Vietnam War in effect, America had little room for bad relations. Struggles between rival nations also inhibited the United States, most notably in the oil embargo set up by the Middle East in the 1970s. Nixon attempted to correct these issues by forming friendly relations with the Soviet Union and China. This came as a great benefit to the United States, seeing as the country had been pitted against those nations in countless conflicts. Nixon’s administration also worked to improve relations between rivaling countries in a hope to restore their main source of oil. With the help of the Nixon administration, America was able to take its friendliness to new heights.

Nixon’s Watergate scandal greatly overshadows his actual accomplishments as president. Through his presidency Nixon was able to make many domestic reforms that benefited Americans. Nationally, Nixon strengthened relations with China and the Soviet Union, finally putting the cap on the Cold War. Nixon also put to rest years of public opposition when he finally pulled United States’ involvement from Vietnam. Nixon’s administration was able to maintain relations with other countries during their time of strife. Although bad political decisions left Nixon with very little public appeal, he was an above average president, and for that he deserves a B+.

Richard Nixon acquired the presidency towards the end of a time of prosperity, which was brought about by World War II. As a result, one of Nixon’s most actively pursued goals was domestic reform. Nixon proclaimed his presidency as a “decade of government reform”. His changes in both foreign and domestic policy were directed towards conservative, yet up-to-date, public policy. Although overshadowed by the Watergate scandal, Nixon was able to accomplish his goals. Domestically speaking, Nixon’s reform goals were reached; he created a slew of environmental, health, and welfare programs, and was able to use his New Economic Policy to produce a short economic boom. In the realm of foreign policy, Nixon’s primary goal was to strengthen relations with the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China. Slowly, Nixon was able to build relations with China, until he was able to go on a visit there. His visit to China sparked an invitation to the Soviet Union. Nixon was able to build relations with both countries, thus accomplishing his goal and opening the door to many new objectives.

Nixon began his presidency with the opposite party’s majority in both Houses. As a result he often encountered difficulty in erecting much legislation. During his first administration, Nixon encountered large amounts of Congressional opposition of his reforms; ultimately he was left to pass these reforms using his administrative power. The Watergate scandal severely damaged his relationship with both Houses of Congress. Judging by his imminent impeachment, it is safe to say that by the end of his presidency Nixon had lost the political favor of the whole country.

The most positive action of Nixon was to end the United States’ improved relations with China and the Soviet Union. For many years America was at odds with both of these countries. By opening diplomatic relations with China, Nixon was able to secure new relations with the Soviet Union as well. In meetings with the leaders of the Soviet Union, Nixon was able to produce treaties that would control the nuclear arms race. While these documents did not completely eliminate the race, they were a paramount step towards the elimination of nuclear arms. Nixon’s new found relations with China and the Soviet Union were important into bringing the end to the Cold War As to be expected, the most negative aspect of Nixon’s administration was the Watergate scandal. Fearing that career damaging information was about to be leaked, Nixon arranged for a cover-up. The ensuing investigation unearthed a large about of presidential abuses, including Nixon’s unconstitutional secret police organization. While the crimes may not have been too career damaging, Nixon’s countless attempts at covering them up ultimately were. Had Nixon not resigned from his term, he most surely would have been impeached. The Watergate scandals left Americans in yet another situation in which they were wary to trust their government.

The most positive actions of Nixon that greatly impacted the future lives of American’s were his extensive social legislation. Seeking domestic reform, Nixon passed a large number of social reforms, each greatly benefiting Americans. An example of one of his social reform programs was the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which was designed to decrease on-the-job accidents and deaths. Nixon also used his newly created environmental programs (such as the Environmental Protection Agency) to make amendments to the Clean Air Act. Nixon’s interest in social policies greatly benefited the common American.

The United States was greatly benefited by Nixon’s presidency. Nixon was able to make many social and economic reforms. He worked his hardest to decrease inflation and increase social benefits. It is obvious that foreign policy was his most successful endeavor. Nixon was able to strengthen relations with two of America’s top competitors, China and the Soviet Union. He was also able, although slow, to pull Americans out of the Vietnam War, an issue that have been plaguing the country for years. While Nixon dealt with the Watergate scandal, his administration was able to put to rest conflicts in the Middle East and Latin America. Without the dissent brought by the Watergate scandal, Nixon might have gone down as one of the better presidents the United States has had.

Works Cited:

"Miller Center." American President: Richard Milhous Nixon. Ed. Ken Hughes. University of Virginia, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013. Magill, Frank N. "Richard M. Nixon" American Presidents. Vol. 3. Danbury: Grolier Educational Corporation, 1986. 177-211. Print. Roosevelt to Bush.