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Richard M. Nixon Birth: January 9, 1913 Death: April 22, 1994 Political Party: Republican Terms: 1 ½ (1969-1974) Vice Presidents: Spiro T. Agnew (1969-1973) Gerald Ford (1973-1974)

Richard Nixon came into presidency during a period of time when the nation was having a lot of trouble. Nixon deserves a B- for his presidency.

Nixon had many goals he wanted to accomplish during his presidency. His first goal was reconciliation. He wanted to unite the nation that was divided over the issue of the Vietnam War. He accomplished this by reducing America’s involvement in Vietnam, thus ultimately ending the war. Another one of his goals was world stability. He wanted to reduce tensions with China and the U.S.S.R. Nixon visited both countries and reduced tensions.

Nixon has a horrible relationship with Congress. Congress was majority Democratic in both houses. Nixon never worked well with them and many people let their feelings toward him get in the way of passing legislation he proposed. Nixon believed that because of the house’s majority that limited his achievements. Many believe that his efforts were just ineffective. Nixon also sometime just ignored the laws. For example, he refused to submit a plan to Congress for a pay increase for government employees. Nixon used the pocket veto sixteen times during his presidency which did not help their relationship.

The action that Nixon made that had the most positive outcome would have to be the détente with China and the Soviet Union. This helped expand the East-West trade. It also led to SALT I agreements. This ultimately led to reducing nuclear weapons for America and the Soviet Union. This had the most positive outcome because it was the first time America reduced tensions with any communist country. It was a big step for America.

The action that Nixon made that had the most negative outcome would have to be Watergate. It made Americans really distrust the government. Watergate really hurt the integrity of the presidency, because Nixon lied and tried to cover up the criminal act of the Watergate break-in. This also led to the resignation of Nixon to avoid the first impeach of the president.

The decision that Nixon made that influenced the future of America was ending of the Vietnam War. It made Americans to really want the government to really think about getting involved in wars. Americans didn’t want to get involved in anymore wars. It also reduced America involvement in Asia generally.

The country was somewhat better off at the end of his term because he ended the Vietnam War, reduced tensions with China and the Soviet Union. He helped develop relationships with other countries. Although the Watergate break-in left a bad taste in Americans mouth, Nixon truly did better the country. Therefore Nixon does deserve the grade of a B-.

Works Cited “37. Richard M. Nixon (1969-1974).” __The White House.__ 27 May 2010. < [] >. DeGregorio, William A. //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents //. Fort Lee, N.J: Barricade, 2005. “Richard Milhous Nixon (1913-1994).” __American President Online Reference Resource.__ 2010. Miller Center Public Affairs. 27 May 2010. < [] >. “Richard M. Nixon-Prerogatives and power.” __Profiles of the U.S. Presidents.__ 27 May 2010. < [] >. “Richard M. Nixon-Détente with the soviet union.” __Profiles of the U.S. Presidents.__ 27 May 2010. < [] >.