Nixon

Richard Nixon was the 37^th President of the United States and one of the most controversial politicians of the 20^th century. Known in particular for the Watergate scandal, the affair that ended his political career, Nixon was a fierce anti-communist and was responsible for the end of America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. In just 50 minutes, you will find out about the impact of his domestic and foreign policy and understand his profound influence on American politics.

This straightforward and informative book provides a thorough discussion of the key moments in Nixon’s illustrious political career, including his admirable foreign policy, which was marked by détente, and his work to improve diplomatic relations with China and the Soviet Union. It also features a full biography, a valuable introduction to the political, social and economic context and an evaluation of the impact of Nixon’s presidency, giving you all the essential information about this controversial American leader.

About Richard Nixon

Richard Milhous Nixon was born on 9 January 1913 in California. He was a bright, studious pupil at school and proved to be an excellent speaker, a quality that proved to be particularly useful later on in his life. He joined the army and rose to the rank of lieutenant, although he did not participate in the Second World War since he dealt mostly with administrative tasks. He was contacted unexpectedly by the Republicans of California to represent them in 1946. He won the election, and quickly became a well-known figure thanks to his extreme anti-communist views. He was appointed Vice-President of the United States in 1951 and eventually became President in 1968.

This clear and accessible 47-page book is structured as follows:

• Introduction to Richard Nixon
• Biography of Richard Nixon
  • Childhood, education and career path
  • Entry onto the political scene
  • Presidential elections and resignation
• Political, social and economic context
  • The significant social changes of the 1960s
  • American society in turmoil
  • From détente to stalemate in the Vietnam War
  • Rising opposition
• Highlights
  • The political agenda of 1968
  • Presidential terms affected by economic crises
  • The president’s social and regulatory policy
  • The struggle of leaving the Vietnamese mess
  • A foreign policy marked by détente
  • The presidential power crisis: the Watergate scandal
• Impact of Nixon’s presidency
  • Foreign policy – Nixon’s track record
  • The pursuit of a social and civil legacy
  • Lessons learned from the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal
• Summary