Notes Ch. 39/2 J
Effects of Vietnam J
************************************EFFECTS******************************************************
-July 1976 Vietnam became 1 country –controlled by the Communists. Over 1million are killed after the unification***
-April 1975 Cambodia fell to the communist Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot and began the “killing fields,” where over 2.5 million were executed in a mass genocide.***
-December 1975 –Laos was taken by the communist Pathet Lao close to ½ a million were killed.
3 million more people from the former French Indochina become “war refugees,” one of the great humanitarian crises of the 20th century.
- THE 1ST “LOSS” OF A WAR IN AMERICAN HISTORY***
- Between 1965**LBJs escalation**and 1975 the US spent 111$$$Billion on the War –which began a series of LARGE US GOVERNMENT BUDGET DEFECITS***
-1.5 MILLION AMERICANS SAW COMBAT IN VIETNAM—58,220 KILLED—150,000 WOUNDED—21,OOO PERMANENTLY DISABLED***- 830,OOO TROOPS SUFFERED PTSD***- 125,000 WENT TO CANDADA TO AVOID THE DRAFT***(LATER PARDONED CONTROVERSIALLY BY PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER IN 1977)***-- THE US GOVERNMENT, AS OF 2013 PAYS OVER 22 BILLION A YEAR TO VIETNAM VETERANS IN WAR RELATED CLAIMS**(USE OF “AGENT ORANGE AND THE RAINBOW HERBICIDES” AND ITS CANCER CAUSING EFFECTS ACCOUNTS FOR MUCH OF THIS)
- A TOTAL OF 3.8 MILLION PEOPLE DIE IN VIETNAM FROM 1955 – 1975***
Nixon hails the peace, announced in Jan. 1973, as “PEACE WITH HONOR,” in reality it was an American Retreat***
Watergate Woes*** The “Credibility Gap” widens***(The American Peoples TRUST in their Government)
June 17, 1972—( 5 months before the 1972 election day)- a burglary occurs at the Watergate office complex—THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY*** --C.R.E.E.P.*** (Committee to re-elect the President-Republican/Nixon) hires former CIA guys to break into the Democratic Party headquarters to plant “bugs”-listening devices” that would allow them to listen in on the conversations and know their strategies for the upcoming elections*** it fails---the 5 men, “THE PLUMBERS UNIT,” get busted*** C.R.E.E.P. had managed to raise tens of millions of dollars in ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS to engage in a “dirty tricks” campaign to undermine Democratic elections in the fall—espionage, sabotage, faked documents released to the press, etc..
By 1974 over 69 people associated with the WHITE HOUSE—and C.R.E.E.P. had been indicted AND, 48, EITHER PLEADED GUILTY OR WERE FOUND GUILTY-- in court for crimes associated with the “dirty tricks” campaign OCHESTRATED BY NIXON AND HIS CAMPAIGN LEADERS.
The FBI, CIA, and IRS were all found to have been manipulated by Nixon and his associates to perform illegal actions against US Citizens—all on Nixon’s “ENEMIES LIST.” Including the “Pentagon Papers,” leaker—Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist’s office was broken into by, “THE PLUMBERS UNIT,” in order to find evidence that the Nixon White House could leak to destroy his reputation.
The US Senate forms a committee to investigate these charges---This all comes to the public over a period of 2 years as information is slowly and secretly leaked to 2 young reporters at the Washington Post Newspaper, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein (made famous in the movie, “All the Presidents Men”) KNOW ONE NEW WHO LEAKED THE INFO TO THE REPORTERS---THE PERSON’S CODE NAME WAS “DEEP THROAT,” FOR 33 YEARS THE SECRET OF WHO “DEEP THROAT” WAS is KEPT---33 years after the fact—we now know it was the Deputy Director of the FBI—Mark Felt who was DEEP THROAT***one of the most successfully kept secrets in American Political History***
The Senate investigative Committee, 1973-74, is led by NC Senator, Sam Ervin*** and their sessions ARE TELEVISED TO THE WORLD---AND A CONSTIUTIONAL CRISIS IS CREATED—PITTING THE WHITE HOUSE/NIXON V. THE CONGESS, SUPREME COURT, AND THE MEDIA****DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY ON TV**** The people wonder what is going on---what is true---is Nixon a liar and a criminal---
Watergate Continued---The Great Tape Controversy***
Nixon so far had been successful, pollsters asked the people, in denying any involvement or knowledge of the Watergate Events—but in July of 1973 a former White House aid testified on TV that there was recording equipment in the President’s office---and that the tapes would prove Nixon’s knowledge of the events and subsequent COVER-UP***
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS BEGINS***---Nixon denies there are tapes—The Senate asks him to deliver the tapes to the Committee---Nixon then claims that there are tapes BUT—DUE TO EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE, Separation of Powers, AND NATIONAL SECURITY that he cannot/will not give the tapes to the Senate Watergate Committee***
MEANWHILE—AT THE SAME TIME---Spiro Agnew is forced to resign for taking bribes and Gerald Ford, Congressman from Michigan, according to the 25th Amendment***, is appointed Vice President to Nixon. THE CREDIBILITY GAP IS GROWING****
Nixon had appointed Archibald Cox as a “special prosecutor,” to investigate the Watergate charges early in 1973---a way to control the process—it does not work because Cox gets a subpoena to take the tapes***So Nixon Fires him---called, “THE SATURDAY NIGHT MASSACRE,” –NIXON ALSO FIRES THE NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL (the original atty gen. was already in jail) and the Deputy Attorney General because they would not FIRE ARCHIBALD COX –the special prosecutor.
MEANWHILE AGAIN---J, The “Secret Bombings of Cambodia,” are reported to the public—and during this time, Nixon’s 1st term-1969, Nixon was consistently lying to the public and the media and Congress***** denying any bombings--- until 1970 when they were told we 1st began our bombings---
Even after the 1973 Cease-Fire agreement with Vietnam---Nixon continued to bomb Cambodia---THIS PRESIDENTIAL EXTENSION OF THE “WAR-MAKING” POWER TAKEN BY PRESIDENTS [NIXON NOW] FROM THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWER AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF---was upsetting the nation and Congress---and seen as a violation of the constitution by many---due to its illegal nature---lying to both the public and Congress—treaty violation---etc—CONGRESS RE-DEFINES FUTURE PRESIDENT’S “WAR-MAKING” ABILITY--- BY PASSING THE WAR POWERS ACT, 1973******HUGE****--PASSED OVER NIXON’S VETO (2/3RDS MAJORITY OF BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS)***
1- Requires the President to report to Congress within 48 hours after committing troops to a foreign conflict or “substantially” enlarging American Combat Troops in a country.
2 –All Troops have to be WITHDRAWN after 60 days, unless CONGRESS extends it for 30 days at a time---***********huge impacts for the future*****************
The Arab Oil Embargo and the Energy Crisis****huge****
Syria and Egypt launch a SECRET attack ON Israel in October, 1973***
Israel is desperate---and calls on the USA for help---KISSINGER—now Secretary of State, flew to Moscow to restrain the USSR who was helping Syria and Egypt--- NIXON PUTS OUR ARMED SERVICES ON DEFCON -3 AND SENDS 2 BILLION$$$ IN MODERN WEAPONS TO ISRAEL IMMEDIATELY****With the US aid---The Israeli’s turn the tide, with the aid of USAs advanced weapons and drive all the way to Cairo, Egypt (capital)***The US at this point arranges for a cease-fire**
The Effects of the USA aiding Israel were enormous:
O.P.E.C.—AND THE ARAB NATIONS CLAMP AN OIL EMBARGO ON THE USA IN OCTOBER 1973****
TOUGH WINTER WITH LITTLE HEATING OIL
GAS LINES EVERYWHERE
THE INTRO OF “FUEL EFFICIENT” CARS FROM JAPAN-OVERSEAS---
LOCKED GAS CAPS
RIDING BICYCLES TO WORK
MOTORCYCLES—MORE FUEL EFFICIENT
AN “ENERGY CRISIS”***THAT LAST STILL TODAY****
OIL EXPLORATION AND A PIPELINE FROM ALASKA***
A NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT***TO SAVE FUEL 55MPH
MORE COAL AND NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS BUILT
AN END OF AN ERA---WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE “STAGFLATION” OF THE 70s---NO MORE “CHEAP ENERGY” ---
THE MIDDLE EAST BECAME A STRATEGICALLY MOST IMPORTANT AREA AS THE 80s and 90s approach---
And when the EMBARGO ENDS AFTER THE 5 MONTH EMBARGO---OIL PRICES GO UP 4X---THAT IS TODAY ABOUT 11$ A GALLON OR 150$+ TO FILL YOUR TANK****IMAGINE THAT J***
INFLATION WENT THROUGH THE ROOF**
A SLOW DECLINE IN AMERICAN MADE MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS***WAS INEVITABLE***FACTORIES SHUT DOWN***
NIXON HAS TO FACE HIS ACCUSERS*** AND THEN RESIGNS***THE ONLY PRESIDENT TO DO SO IN US HISTORY****************************************
WATERGATE FINALLY BRINGS “TRICKY DICK” DOWN*****
1974---after the many shenanigans to avoid giving up the tapes---Nixon is forced to by the Supreme Court of the United States---in April Nixon releases some “transcripts” but not all and claim they will vindicate him---prove he is telling the truth----in United States v. Nixon, 1974, ruled UNANIMOUSLY, that claims of “executive privilege” were void----AND ORDERED ALL OF THE TAPES RELEASED****IN JULY, 1974 NIXON RELEASES THE TAPES***THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BEGINS “IMPEACHMENT” HEARINGS--- THE TAPES REVEAL THAT NIXON KNEW AND ATTEMPTED A MASSIVE COVER-UP---BUT 18 AND ½ MINUTES OF THE TAPES WAS MYSTERIOUSLY ERASESD BY “NIXON’S SECRETARY,” LATER WE LEARN THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR MRS. WOODS TO DO THIS—AND 9 DIFFERENT SEGMENTS ARE ERASED—NOT JUST AN 18.5 MINUTE SEGMENT***BY THE END OF JULY THE HOUSE HAD VOTED TO BRING TWO (2) ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST NIXON---ONE FOR “OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE.” AND ONE FOR ABUSE OF POWER, AND A THIRD IN AUGUST FOR “CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS,” ---A LAST TAPE, “THE SMOKING GUN TAPE,” WAS RELEASED THAT PROVED NIXON WAS “A CROOK,”---THAT HE LIED---“ THE “CREDIBILITY GAP,” GROWS AS LARGE AS IT EVER WILL IN OUR HISTORY***
NIXON RESIGNS AUGUST 8, 1974***
APPOINTED VP- GERALD FORD BECOMES THE 1ST AND ONLY UN-ELECTED PRESIDENT IN US HISTORY***
SEPTEMBER 8, 1974 GERALD FORD ANNOUNCES HIS FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL PARDON OF RICHARD NIXON**** FORD SAID HE PARDONED NIXON, “IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE NATION.”
The Principles that “no person is above the law,” were vindicated the Constitutional Crisis was over***but the nation after “Defeat” in Vietnam ---Oil Embargo---VPs indictment for Bribery---The President’s resignation---the “stagflation” of the economy sent our nation into a tailspin that took 4 long years to recover from***until Ronald Reagan is elected in 1980 and the ”Miracle on Ice.” J
THE BUMPER STICKER---“DON’T BLAME ME I’M FROM MASSACHUSETTS***THE ONLY STATE McGOVERN WON IN THE 1972 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION J
The 1st Unelected President—Gerald Ford***1974- 1977
Ford did not have much time as President---but he tried---with many handicaps---especially his pardon of Nixon which did not help him at all…
THE LAST DAY IN VIETNAM APRIL 30, 1975-ABOUT 150,000 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES COME TO THE USA---EVENTUALLY OVER 500,000 VIETNAMESE COME TO AMERICA***
AMERICA RELUCTANTLY CAME TO REALIZE THAT THEIR POWER AS WELL AS THEIR PRIDE HAD BEEN DEEPLY WOUNDED IN VIETNAM AND THAT THE RECOVERY WOULD BE SLOW AND PAINFUL***
THE HELSINKI ACCORDS***- JULY 1975
Ford attempts more Détente (lessening of tensions with the ussr-cold war) in a meeting with 34 other nations---many agreements are signed formally attempting to open up the USSR and allowing people to leave, cultural exchanges, etc---more human rights –BUT THE USSR PREVENTS ANY JEWISH IMMIGRATION---and the USA responds with punitive trade measures---oh well, Jerry THE COLD WAR GREW COLDER***
Feminists Victories and Defeats****Read the paper on my review site on 2nd Wave Feminists****A MUST***]
After Vietnam, American Feminists began to find their voice***
In 1972, Congress passes Title IX****** of the Education Amendments---PROHIBITING SEX (GENDER) DISCRIMINATION IN ANY FEDERALLY ASSISTED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY**********************SPORTS---COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS---HIGH SCHOOLS********”YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY BABY” J
THE “ERA” (EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT) IS PASSED BY CONGRESS IN 1972***
2 Supreme Court Cases were promising victories:
Reed v. Reed, 1971 & Fronitero v. Richardson, 1973 which prohibited discrimination in legislation and employment***
Non-Feminist women—like Phyllis Schafly and her Anti-ERA group protested the idea of Women entering the military draft and “unisex” public restrooms AS WELL AS THE GROWING “DIVORCE RATE”—WHICH TRIPLES BETWEEN 1960 AND 1976***
THE ERA AMENDMENT FAILS 3 STATES SHORT 35/38 IN 1982***********
AFRICAN AMERICANS LOSE IN TWO COURT CASES IN THE 70s “Burger” Court—remember Nixon appointed 4 conservative justices to the Supreme Court***
Millikan v. Bradley, 1974 denied integration using busing if it meant busing students across “school district lines.”
Regents of California v. Bakke, 1978 – ruled that admitting a student of a minority group with lesser qualifications to college is “reverse discrimination.”
Both ruling were 5-4***a very divided court now***
The American Indian Movement (A.I.M.) has some success*** inspired by the Civil Rights Movement—American Indians began to use the Courts---just like Women*** and African-Americans*** They first though gain attention through force---taking the island of Alcatraz off the coast of SF, California*** and then seize the village of Wounded Knee, SD***a historic site***of the last Indian Massacre in 1890*** Both fail as long term gains –But in 1978 in the Supreme Court: United States v. Wheeler, 1978—Native Americans score a HUGE VICTORY*** WHEN THE SC DECLARED THAT INDIAN TRIBES POSESSED A “UNIQUE AND LIMITED” SOVREIGNTY (POWER OVER THEMSELVES AS A “SEPARATE NATION,”) SUBJECT ONLY TO THE WILL OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS BUT NOT THE STATES*************HUGE***************************
The Bicentennial Presidential Campaign of 1976---The Election of the “peanut farmer,” from Georgia***Jimmy Carter
1976 Election – The American People demanded change---wanted someone they could trust---
Carter made one promise during the election campaign: “I will never lie to you.” And he kept his promise J
Gerald Ford Republican 49% 240
Jimmy Carter Democrat 51% 297***a winner***
And controlled both houses in Congress****the Nixon pardon backlash****
Carter’s 1st three actions: 1- New Department of Energy 2- Tax Cuts to stimulate economy (trickle down? Isn’t he a Democrat?? Oh—a Southern Democrat—but a “new” Southern Democrat** a Humanitarian Conservative---like Eisenhower ???
3- Pardons all of the Vietnam War “Draft Dodgers”---VERY UNPOPULAR ACTION***
Carter’s Humanitarian Diplomacy FOREIGN POLICY***
HUMAN RIGHTS—Carter displayed an overriding concern for people around the World---(and still does J )
1- Perhaps his greatest achievement as President are the CAMP DAVID ACCORDS—A MIDDLE EAST PEACE TREATY BETWEEN EGYPT AND ISRAEL**********************
2- FULL DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH COMMUNIST CHINA*** 1ST TIME IN 30 YEARS
3- PANAMA CANAL TREATY****---“turns complete ownership and control of the Canal to Panama by the year 2000*** very unpopular***
4 – Attempted Détente with the USSR BUT*** CUBAN/USSR TROOPS IN ANGOLA, ETHIOPIA, AND ACROSS AFRICA & THE USSR INVADES AFGHANISTAN****(becomes their “Vietnam,” and causes the USA to boycott the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow and the USSR to Boycott the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow****
5- A failed S.A.L.T. II TREATY WITH THE USSR (FAILED DÉTENTE)
Economic and Energy Problems—domestic policies****
-“Double Digit inflation” every year from 1974 until early 1980s**** Prices skyrocketing*** 13% in 1979***
-Oil prices soar--- America has a 40 Billion $ “Trade Deficit” – can’t sell its products overseas---factories closing ---“The Rust Belt” appears in the Middle and North East---American Manufacturing once the leaders in the world cannot compete---wages & environmental costs drives our prices for goods higher than those that manufacture goods overseas--- “Buy American” a huge slogan---but too little too late –as we know today****Companies begin to “downsize” and move their operations “overseas” to take advantage of “cheap” third-world labor with no environmental protections as restrictions*** The once great “Gilded Age” centers of wealth and Power in the Middle and North East Cities become ruins ---no jobs ---no taxes---skyrocketing prices---Urban Decay ---Schools close ---Crime Rate Soars---Gangs--- RAP MUSIC---the SUN-BELT GROWS EVEN LARGER---NO UNIONS---LOW TAXES---CONSERVATIVE STATE GOVERNMENTS—GOOD WEATHER—IF YOU WERE HOMELESS AT LEAST YOU DID NOT FREEZE***ANNUAL GOVERNMENT “BUDGET DEFICITS” IN THE BILLIONS***