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The USA after Nixon, 1974–1980 (A-level only)

challenges to the American Dream, 1963–1980 (A-level: The USA after Nixon, 1974–1980 (A-level only)

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AqaA LevelHistory2Q The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980

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The USA after Nixon, 1974–1980 (A-level only)4 objectives

Ford and Carter as presidents: responses to social divisions; political corruption and the loss of national self-confidence.
The position of the USA as a world power: the final withdrawal from Vietnam; relations with the USSR and China; the response to crises in the Middle East; Iran and Afghanistan.
African-Americans in North and South: the impact of civil rights legislation; change and continuity in the ‘New South’.
The USA by 1980: its position as a Superpower; the extent of social and economic change; the reasons for Reagan’s victory in the presidential election.

National Self-ConfidencePolitical CorruptionDétenteIran Hostage CrisisDe Facto SegregationJim Crow LawsStagflationEnergy Crisis

Use specific examples: When discussing the presidencies of Ford and Carter, always include specific policies or events to support your arguments.
Use Specific Examples: When answering questions about U.S. foreign policy, always include specific examples and events to support your arguments.

Overgeneralizing the impact of Watergate: Acknowledge that while Watergate significantly eroded trust, there were varying public responses and other factors influencing perceptions of government.
Confusing Détente with Isolationism: Détente involved active engagement with other superpowers, particularly the USSR, rather than a withdrawal from global affairs.

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