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Richard M. Nixon

The 1970s

Richard M. Nixon

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Photo Galleries (7)

  • Richard Nixon
    Richard Nixon

    18 Photos

    See pictures from the life and presidency of Richard Nixon.

    (18 Photos)
  • Gerald Ford
    Gerald Ford

    20 Photos

    View an image slideshow on President Gerald Ford.

    (20 Photos)
  • Jimmy Carter
    Jimmy Carter

    16 Photos

    View an image slideshow on President Jimmy Carter.

    (16 Photos)
  • Vietnam War
    Vietnam War

    14 Photos

    The Vietnam War lasted longer than any other war in U.S. history and cost 58,000 American lives

    (14 Photos)
  • Vietnam War: Leaders
    Vietnam War: Leaders

    15 Photos

    View images of the Presidents, politicians, and military leaders who influenced American involvement in the Vietnam War.

    (15 Photos)
  • Cold War: American Leaders
    Cold War: American Leaders

    13 Photos

    From 1945 until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, U.S. presidents and politicians developed strategies to limit the spread of communism.

    (13 Photos)
  • Communist Leaders
    Communist Leaders

    12 Photos

    During the 20th century, the worldwide spread of communism took many different forms under the direction of each country's leadership.

    (12 Photos)

Videos (36)

  • 1970s
    1970s

    Video Clip (2:35)

    The 1970s are famous for bell-bottoms and the rise of disco, but it was also an era of economic struggle, cultural change and technological innovation.

    Video Clip (2:35)
  • Vietnam
    Vietnam

    Video Clip (1:42)

    Whether they volunteered or were drafted, 1 out of 10 soldiers did not survive Vietnam.

    Video Clip (1:42)
  • Watergate Brings Down Nixon
    Watergate Brings Down Nixon

    Video Clip (2:33)

    A seemingly random robbery at a Washington, D.C. building leads to the first presidential resignation in American history.

    Video Clip (2:33)
  • Jimmy Carter vs. 'Killer Rabbit'
    Jimmy Carter vs. 'Killer Rabbit'

    Video Clip (1:03)

    Timothy Dickinson tells us the story of Jimmy Carter vs the killer rabbit.

    Video Clip (1:03)
  • Nixon's Secret Plan to End the Vietnam War
    Nixon's Secret Plan to End the Vietnam War

    Video Clip (3:36)

    In 1968, Richard Nixon ran on a platform for presidency that included a "secret plan" to end the war in Vietnam.

    Video Clip (3:36)
  • Four Students Killed at Kent State
    Four Students Killed at Kent State

    Video Clip (1:04)

    Travel back in time to 1970 in this video clip detailing the circumstances surrounding the massacre at Kent State University.

    Video Clip (1:04)
  • Gerald Ford Embraces Chicken
    Gerald Ford Embraces Chicken

    Video Clip (1:11)

    Timothy Dickinson tells us about Gerald Ford and the Chicken.

    Video Clip (1:11)
  • Mankind in 2 Minutes
    Mankind in 2 Minutes

    Video Clip (2:12)

    Experience the story of Mankind in 2 Minutes.

    Video Clip (2:12)
  • Richard Nixon's Impeachment Investigation
    Richard Nixon's Impeachment Investigation

    Video Clip (3:27)

    Lawrence Hogan gives us the lowdown on Richard Nixon's impeachment in the wake of the Watergate scandal.

    Video Clip (3:27)
  • Arriving in Vietnam
    Arriving in Vietnam

    Video Clip (2:25)

    Many soldiers couldn't even find Vietnam on the map before they were sent over to fight there. And having never experienced battle before, they were in for a number of big surprises.

    Video Clip (2:25)
  • Richard Nixon's Paranoia Leads to Watergate Scandal
    Richard Nixon's Paranoia Leads to Watergate Scandal

    Video Clip (2:41)

    Find out about Nixon's personal demons, which may have led to his involvement in the Watergate scandal.

    Video Clip (2:41)
  • The Road to War
    The Road to War

    Video Clip (2:40)

    Over 25 years, the Vietnam conflict escalated from an attempt to stop the spread of communism into a full-scale war.

    Video Clip (2:40)
  • The CB Radio
    The CB Radio

    Video Clip (2:07)

    The Citizens Band radio of the 1970s is still the trucker's favorite gadget.

    Video Clip (2:07)
  • Dodging the Draft
    Dodging the Draft

    Video Clip (3:45)

    Vietnam and the draft lottery set to "Get Together" by The Youngbloods.

    Video Clip (3:45)
  • Ask Steve: Why Vietnam War Dragged On
    Ask Steve: Why Vietnam War Dragged On

    Video Clip (1:23)

    In this video from Ask Steve, the reason for the continuation of the unpopular Vietnam War is discussed. The question of why the war continued for five years after the public turned against it in 1968 is under review.

    Video Clip (1:23)
  • Campaign Spot: Voting Booth (1972)
    Campaign Spot: Voting Booth (1972)

    Video Clip (1:02)

    George McGovern makes a play for the quintessential undecided voter. Though a clever spot, it would not help McGovern much in the real polls. He had already been branded too liberal advocating withdrawal from Vietnam, amnesty for draft evaders, and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Nixon won in a landslide.

    Video Clip (1:02)
  • The Rumble in the Jungle, 1974
    The Rumble in the Jungle, 1974

    Video Clip (1:56)

    Travel back in time to 1974 and listen to Muhammad Ali talk about his upcoming "Rumble in the Jungle" bout with George Foreman.

    Video Clip (1:56)
  • Campaign Spot: China (1972)
    Campaign Spot: China (1972)

    Video Clip (1:02)

    One of Nixons lasting legacies was his trip to China to normalize relations between the two countries which had been cut off for 20 years. No American president had ever visited China. Nixons tip signaled a major change -- for both America and Chinas policies. And for Republicans, a huge reason to re-elect their candidate.

    Video Clip (1:02)
  • Campaign Spot: McGovern Defense (1972)
    Campaign Spot: McGovern Defense (1972)

    Video Clip (1:01)

    In this ad, McGoverns defense cuts are criticized, questioning the candidates priorities for national security.

    Video Clip (1:01)
  • Campaign Spot: Jimmy Carter's Bio (1976)
    Campaign Spot: Jimmy Carter's Bio (1976)

    Video Clip (4:24)

    Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter was a Washington outsider, a position he stressed during his campaign.

    Video Clip (4:24)
  • Campaign Spot: Peace (1976)
    Campaign Spot: Peace (1976)

    Video Clip (0:30)

    Gerald Ford took office after Nixon resigned in 1973. Ford attempted to distance himself from the Nixon presidency, showcasing himself as a normal guy. His campaign focused on an upbeat, positive view of America.

    Video Clip (0:30)
  • Charles Manson and His "Family" Go on Trial, 1971
    Charles Manson and His "Family" Go on Trial, 1971

    Video Clip (1:15)

    See Charles Manson and three female members of his "family" (Leslie Van Houten, Susan Atkins, and Patricia Krenwinkel) on trial in this video from "History Uncut".

    Video Clip (1:15)
  • Campaign Spot: Southerner Jimmy Carter (1976)
    Campaign Spot: Southerner Jimmy Carter (1976)

    Video Clip (0:49)

    Carter reminds his fellow southerners that there had not been a president from the deep South since 1848, in a radio commercial meant to appeal to the deep South. Ultimately Carter won this region, but Ford got more white southern votes.

    Video Clip (0:49)
  • Watergate Forces Nixon to Resign
    Watergate Forces Nixon to Resign

    Video Clip (3:20)

    In this History Rocks the 70's video, brought to you by the History Channel, learn about special investigator Archibald Cox's quest to investigate the Watergate cover-up. Nixon tries to get Cox fired several times.

    Video Clip (3:20)
  • When Elvis Met Nixon
    When Elvis Met Nixon

    Video Clip (2:55)

    On January 27, 1972, Washington Post columnist Jack Anderson was leaked information about President Richard Nixon's appointment of Elvis Presley as a special assistant on the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

    Video Clip (2:55)
  • Second Ford Assassination Attempt
    Second Ford Assassination Attempt

    Video Clip (3:57)

    President Gerald Ford escapes assassination just 17 days after a previous attempt on his life.

    Video Clip (3:57)
  • First Ford Assassination Attempt
    First Ford Assassination Attempt

    Video Clip (3:44)

    In Sacramento California on September 5, 1975, Lynette Fromme attempted to kill President Gerald Ford

    Video Clip (3:44)
  • Ford: Defends Nixon Pardon
    Ford: Defends Nixon Pardon

    Video Clip (1:49)

    Watch this historical clip of President Gerald Ford as he speaks in front of the House Judiciary Committee about the impeachment of President Nixon. Listen and see what he had to say in this clip.

    Video Clip (1:49)
  • Inaugural Address: Gerald Ford
    Inaugural Address: Gerald Ford

    Video Clip (2:15)

    Excerts from Gerold R. Ford's inaugural address on Friday, August 9, 1974.

    Video Clip (2:15)
  • Mankind Decoded Sneak Peek
    Mankind Decoded Sneak Peek

    Video Clip (5:03)

    Check out a sneak peek of the upcoming series Mankind Decoded.

    Video Clip (5:03)
  • Jimmy Carter on Defense
    Jimmy Carter on Defense

    Video Clip (0:59)

    President Jimmy Carter, when questioned on our defense said we should resolve troubles around the world through negotiation, in this History Channel video. He said Ronald Reagan was for war.

    Video Clip (0:59)
  • Jimmy Carter on Military
    Jimmy Carter on Military

    Video Clip (2:10)

    President Jimmy Carter states his goal of keeping peace in this History Channel video. He said that eight years before him our military strength was down and he wants to increase our strength.

    Video Clip (2:10)
  • Jimmy Carter on Terrorism
    Jimmy Carter on Terrorism

    Video Clip (2:24)

    During the Iranian hostage crisis, President Jimmy Carter states his commitment against terrorism during a Barbara Walters interview, in this History Channel video. He named other acts of terrorism against Jews in France and Israel.

    Video Clip (2:24)
  • Carter on the Persian Gulf 1980
    Carter on the Persian Gulf 1980

    Video Clip (1:00)

    President Jimmy Carter in this address says the Soviet Union and the Persian Gulf are threats to our security, in this History Channel video. He said we should address these issues peacefully.

    Video Clip (1:00)
  • History Uncut: Mikhail Baryshnikov 1974
    History Uncut: Mikhail Baryshnikov 1974

    Video Clip (1:20)

    Rare footage of the one who is often called the world's greatest living male ballet dancer. In this "History Uncut" video clip, Baryshnikov practices in a studio in Toronto after recently defecting from Russia. A short press conference follows.

    Video Clip (1:20)
  • History Uncut: IRA Bombing London 1973
    History Uncut: IRA Bombing London 1973

    Video Clip (2:03)

    This clip from "History Uncut" provides a glimpse into the devastation caused by a bombing by the Irish Republican Army on Scotland Yard.

    Video Clip (2:03)

Speeches & Audio (11)

  • Nixon on the Vietnam War
    Nixon on the Vietnam War

    Audio Clip (1:06)

    While campaigning for reelection in 1972, President Richard M. Nixon promises to end the war in Vietnam in such a way as to ensure a "a full generation of peace."

    Audio Clip (1:06)
  • Nixon Announces Vietnam Peace Agreement
    Nixon Announces Vietnam Peace Agreement

    Audio Clip (3:39)

    On January 23, 1973, President Richard Nixon announces that Henry Kissinger and North Vietnam's chief negotiator, Le Duc Tho, signed an agreement to end U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. The official cease-fire, along with the release of all American prisoners of war, is to go into effect on January 28, though troops would remain in Vietnam until the fall of Saigon in 1975.

    Audio Clip (3:39)
  • Nixon: "I am Not a Crook"
    Nixon: "I am Not a Crook"

    Audio Clip (1:28)

    On November 17, 1973, President Nixon gave a nationally televised and broadcast press conference in which he denied his involvement in the Watergate cover-up and stated that he had never profited from his public service.

    Audio Clip (1:28)
  • Nixon Officials Caught in Watergate Scandal
    Nixon Officials Caught in Watergate Scandal

    Audio Clip (0:38)

    On October 20, 1973, President Richard Nixon dismissed Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox and accepted the resignations of Attorney Gen. Elliot L. Richardson and Deputy Attorney Gen. William D. Ruckelshaus. Later that night, Sen. Alan Cranston reacts to what became known as the "Saturday Night Massacre."

    Audio Clip (0:38)
  • Stokely Carmichael on Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
    Stokely Carmichael on Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

    Audio Clip (2:42)

    On April 5, 1968, in a press conference held the day after the slaying of Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael predicts the outbreak of more violence across the nation in retaliation for "white America's biggest mistake."

    Audio Clip (2:42)
  • Adam Clayton Powell Rallies Congregation
    Adam Clayton Powell Rallies Congregation

    Audio Clip (3:54)

    In a 1967 sermon, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., pastor and congressman from Harlem, New York City, reaches out to the downtrodden and depressed with his "keep the faith, baby" slogan.

    Audio Clip (3:54)
  • Gerald R. Ford Pardons Richard Nixon
    Gerald R. Ford Pardons Richard Nixon

    Audio Clip (0:53)

    In a live broadcast on September 8, 1974, President Gerald Ford grans his disgraced predecessor, Richard Nixon, a "full free and absolute pardon." In an effort to end speculation over whether he had cut a "deal" with Nixon, Ford emphatically stated he'd given the pardon to heal the nation.

    Audio Clip (0:53)
  • First Lady Betty Ford Delivers President Ford's Concession
    First Lady Betty Ford Delivers President Ford's Concession

    Audio Clip (0:58)

    In November 1976, President Gerald Ford was defeated in his re-election campaign by challenger Jimmy Carter. Because Ford was hoarse from campaigning, First Lady Betty Ford speaks on his behalf, informing the nation that the president officially conceded and offered his congratulations to the new president-elect.

    Audio Clip (0:58)
  • Carter Accepts Presidential Nomination
    Carter Accepts Presidential Nomination

    Audio Clip (1:25)

    After announcing in 1974 his intention to run for president, Jimmy Carter officially accepts his party's nomination at the Democratic National Convention on July 15, 1976.

    Audio Clip (1:25)
  • Carter Imposes Oil Embargo During Hostage Crisis
    Carter Imposes Oil Embargo During Hostage Crisis

    Audio Clip (0:54)

    On November 4, 1979, a group of student revolutionaries in Iran seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding more than 60 Americans hostage. On November 11, President Jimmy Carter imposed an oil embargo against Iran, which he explains in an address to the nation.

    Audio Clip (0:54)
  • Carter on Failed Iran Hostage Rescue
    Carter on Failed Iran Hostage Rescue

    Audio Clip (1:30)

    On April 11, 1980, President Jimmy Carter approved a military operation to rescue the remaining 52 American hostages from the hands of young revolutionaries who had seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in November 1979. After the mission ends with eight U.S.servicemen dead and no hostages freed, President Carter discusses the event at a press conference.

    Audio Clip (1:30)

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