As you’ve learned in this week’s resources, the people of the U. S. experienced many changes in society and politics at this time. President Nixon took a step never seen before when he resigned; and the country took another unprecedented move when President Ford took office, having not been elected Vice President. President Carter was elected as a Washington outsider, and found out he lacked the confidence of a nation. President Reagan was elected with the support of the conservative “New right” and disillusioned liberals.  

Compare and contrast the troubled presidencies of Nixon, Ford, and Carter with the perceived successes of Ronald Reagan. Did the first three leaders create their own problems, or did they face impossible situations? 

In what ways did Reagan bring the nation back to a nation of pride and confidence? In what ways did he and his conservative backing struggle with liberal issues of the day? Remember to bring in material from this week’s readings and media to support your argument.

RESOURCES- Only use these provided, please.

• McGerr, M., Townsend, C., Dunak, K. M., Summers, M., & Lewis, J. E. (2021). Of the People: A History of the United States, Volume II: Since 1865 with Sources (5th ed.). Oxford University Press Academic US. https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9780197586181
• E-text Ch.27 & Ch.28
• 27.2: Nixon Decides on the Christmas Bombing

• 27.3: New York Radical Women, Principles 
• 27.4: Statements by Roman Pucinski, Ethnic Heritage Studies Centers; Hearings Before the General Subcommittee on Education of the Committee on Education and Labor
• 27.5 Clyde Warrior, “Statement,” (1967)
• 28.1: Jerry Falwell, Excerpts From Listen, America! 
• 28.2: Ronald Reagan, Excerpts From “Address To The Nation On The Economy” 
• 28.5: Excerpts From The Republican And Democratic Party Platforms On The State Of The American Family
• Feminism in America: A Televised Revolution (Vanderbilt) 
• https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2014/12/17/dow-feminism/
  
• American Experience Season 23, Ep. 9: The “Dangers” of Homosexuality (PBS) 
• https://www.pbs.org/video/american-experience-dangers-homosexuality/
  
• Stonewall: An Uprising, Not a Riot (PBS) 
• https://www.pbs.org/video/american-experience-stonewall-uprising-not-riot/
  
• Watergate: Inside the Scandal that Took Down a Presidency (ABC News) 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZSGMMUC7FQ
  
• The Reagan Revolution (Crash Course) 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h4DkpFP_aw
  
• The Reagan Administration’s Unbelievable Response to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic (Vox) 
• https://www.vox.com/2015/12/1/9828348/ronald-reagan-hiv-aids
  
• Iran Contra Clip (American Dad)
• https://ccis.ucourses.com/content/enforced/1027955-HIST_122_DEC_5-24FALL1/InstructionalMaterials-7_rev.html?ou=1027955&d2l_body_type=3#mytabs