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=President Richard Nixon=

Theme :Environment
In response to 20 million people coming out for Earth Day, Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. The role of the EPA was, and still is, to enforce and regulate laws passed by Congress that protect human and environmental health. Ensuring clean air and water, protection of natural resources, and protection of endangered species, the EPA quickly gained a foothold in American society. Despite the many disagreements the Democratic Congress had with Nixon, they happily passed many of the EPA's bills.

And soon, under the Clean Air Act, factories were no longer permitted to spew black toxic clouds from their smokestacks. Enforced by the EPA, the Clean Air Act, along with other air acts, put in place regulations to control airborne contaminants. The Clean Air Act, as proposed by President Nixon, was the first major environmental law and effected Americans nationwide. Though at first having some minor holes, state legislature filled the gaps. The Clean Air Act thrilled Americans wanting clean air and water, and gained Nixon some much needed popularity.


 * President’s full name: Richard Milhous Nixon ( January 9th, 1913– April 22, 1994) **
 * Political party of the president: Republican **
 * Dates of the term or terms of office: (1969–1974) **
 * Vice President by term: First Term: Spiro T. Agnew (1969–1973) **
 * Second Term:Gerald Ford (1973–1974) **

Analysis:
"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Those words still ring today through the minds of Americans, though the person saying them is often forgotten. Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States of America, did much for his country, but is often labeled as one of the worst presidents because of the Watergate scandal. Despite this fact, it must also be remembered that Nixon, created the EPA, reconciled with many nations including Vietnam, and put the first man on the moon. For these reasons, Nixon earns a B.

After surviving the Great Depression, WWII, and the Cold War what President Nixon was most worried about was the spirit of the people. He believed that in order to heal the people's spirit three things must happen. The first was protecting the environment. Just as he great predessessors, Nixon came to the realization, mainly through the American people, that the citizens cared about what happened to the environment. Though not originally a big part of the campaign, after the appearance of twenty million people at the first Earth Day, Nixon quickly piped up and put forth the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to Congress. Once passed, this agency enforced and regulated many bills concerning the health of the environment, and still does today. In this endeavor, Nixon was successful. On the other hand, there was one goal that was widely pronounced throughout Nixon's campiagn and in his inaugural address. At the time of Nixon's inauguration, the Vietnam War was already fully underway. As tensions continued to rise, Nixon made his number one goal reconcilation and peace with foriegn nations. At this he also succeeded. In 1972, Nixon sought to reduce tensions with China and the USSR. He accomplished this by attending summits in Beijing and Moscow. At his meeting with the Russian Premier of the time, he further decreased strain with a treaty to limit nuclear weapons. As previously mentioned, the Vietnam War was already underway. At the Paris Peace Accords Nixon created a treaty ending all direct military contact in Vietnam, and shortly after, began removing U.S. soldiers. With such an impressive showing of accomplishment, it is clear that Nixon's goal were successfully completed.

With Nixon only winning by a narrow margin, the Democratic Congress was none to pleased. Even before the Watergate scandal relations between Nixon and Congress were strained. Nixon failed to gain support from Congress on many bills, such as his welfare reform bill. Instead Nixon felt it better to use speeches to the public to force congressional politicians into doing as he wanted. In some cases this method worked, though in others where the public was not keen on the President's actions, Nixon stood little chance. One such matter upon which Congress constantly fought Nixon were the current wars, and with good reason. In both Laos and Cambodia Nixon sent false reports to the Senate in order to keep their support while he invaded and bombed the countries. When this news came out Congress was even less pleased with Nixon.

Though often remembered for his worst actions, Nixon also had some great actions. The one shining above the rest, and currently still marked on the moon, was the first manned moon landing. Even with the Cold War over the USSR and America were still competitive, and Nixon's achievement of outdoing them in this regard still lives on today in his famous qoute, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." The moon landing also helped to achieve Nixon's greatest wish, the hope of restoring the American spirit. As millions of Americans nationwide gathered around their television screens to watch history in the making hopes were high. And with the successful landing and return, Americans were on cloud nine.

For President Nixon, the most negative aspect of his presidency is obvious. The Watergate scandal was when a break-in occured at the Democratic National Committee headquarters by five men. When the men were caught, the FBI found a connection between their payments and the slush fund for the re-election of Nixon. The Nixon administration denied any connection, and Nixon claimed to have no knowledge of the event. However, when tapes were found showing that Nixon did in fact know about the scheme, the Congress and the nation screamed for his impeachment. Seeing it as inevitable, Nixon resigned from office on August 9, 1974. Clearly, any action by the president that causes him to resign is the most negative action by him and his administration.

Even with the ceasing of government funding to NASA, the moon landing has truly had an effect on future generations. Following the first, there have been five other manned landings on the moon, along with numerous unmanned trips. With the success of Apollo 11, the space program was expanded and NASA was funded further. Because of this increased funding, many satelites that permit imaging and television signals were sent into space, and are still used today. The success of Apollo 11 also created a new generation of scientists dreaming and as they grew older exploring the stars. It is safe to say that the decision to send Apollo 11 to the moon changed the world.

As president, Nixon put the first man on the moon, reconciled with many hostile nations, and created the still standing EPA. Through these actions, and against a hostile Congress, Nixon was able to greatly improve the spirit of the American people. With such accomplishments it does not seem right for the Watergate scandal to play too heavily upon his grade. For this reason, Nixon is awarded a B.


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