Post on 28-May-2015
description
Born Leslie Lynch King, Jr. on July
15, 1913 in Omaha, Nebraska
Mother and he moved to Grand
Rapids, Michigan shortly after birth
Attended the University of
Michigan, playing on the football
team
Yale Law School…and
assistant football and boxing coach
Assassination Attempts
Domestic Matters
Now, therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the
Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part
in during the period from July (January) 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974.
Partial amnesty to Vietnam draft evaders: two years of community service
Pardon of Richard Nixon
Results?Approval rating: 72% to 49%
“Jail Ford”Perhaps cost him the 1976 election
Why?Healing could begin
25% A deal?
Sympathy
Assassination Attempts
Lynnette “Squeaky” Fromme; September 5, 1977
Sara Jane Moore; September 22, 1977
INFLATION
Non-Stop Inflation Merry-Go-Round
No Immediate MiraclesWhip Inflation Now
Grassroots program designed to combat inflation by encouraging personal saving and disciplined spending
Yes: 300
No: 135
No = VETO
Yes: 55
No: 45
House of Representatives Senate
The President
FORD: FREQUENT USE OF THE VETO—66 TIMES IN 29 MONTH PRESIDENCY
Soviet Union
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
US-Soviet relations under Ford
• SALT II (DELAYED)• Helsinki Accords
– Finalizes World War II borders
– Soviets would agree to improve human rights (did not)
Vietnam
• The Ho Chi Minh Offensive occurs during Ford’s presidency
– North Vietnam attacks South Vietnam to make it communist
– Ford asks for $722 million in aid; Congress refuses
• Operation Frequent Wind occurs as a result of the offensive
OPERATION FREQUENT WIND IN ACTION
Cambodia
• What? Capture of the USS Mayaguez (39 Americans are held)
• When? May 13, 1975
• Where? Off the coast of Cambodia
• By Whom? Khmer Rouge
• Ford’s response? Military rescue; 41 killed as 39 were being released
1976 Election
CARTER WINS 1976 ELECTION
Why did Ford lose?
• Reagan challenges Ford in the primary
• Unpopular decision to pardon Nixon