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- Herausgeber: BookRix
- Kategorie: Sachliteratur, Reportagen, Biografien
- Sprache: Englisch
In this book, Roxanne Robinson offered a careful and engaging narrative of how Gerald Ford became the 38th President of the United States of America during one of the most turbulent times in the American history.
Through the pages of this book, you will uncover how Watergate Scandal forced Richard Nixon out of office and how Gerald Ford's decision and eventual pardon to Nixon affected public perception of government even unto this present day.
By reading this book, you will discover:
- How a man devoid of presidential aspirations turned into the leader of a country facing crisis. From his Michigan roots to his years in Congress to his surprising appointment as vice president following Spiro Agnew's resignation.
- The Impact of Watergate: The book offers a thorough examination of the Watergate scandal and its terrible consequences for the Nixon government. It shows how Ford's relationship with Nixon changed as the scandal deepens and how he finally brought stability to the turbulent state of the nation.
- Controversy Regarding the Pardon: Great detqail is examined on one of Ford's most divisive choices: Richard Nixon's pardon. You will certainly judge for yourself; Ford’s reasoning that led to the pardon and it's aftermath effect on his presidency. The book uncovers the long-term impact of the pardon on his presidency and American politics.
- Rebuilding Trust in Government: the author also highlights Ford’s efforts to restore faith in the executive arm of government after the corruption and scandals of the Nixon years. Through his transparency and commitment to democratic principles, Ford sought to heal a divided nation, but not without challenges.
- Ford’s Leadership Style: The book paints a vivid picture of Ford’s calm, pragmatic leadership during a time of immense uncertainty. Unlike Nixon’s secretive and paranoid approach, Ford’s presidency was defined by openness, honesty, and a strong belief in the rule of law.
- The 1976 Election and Ford’s Legacy: The final chapters examine Ford’s fight for election in 1976, his narrow loss to Jimmy Carter, and how history has judged his presidency. Despite his short time in office, this book makes a compelling case for Ford as a figure of integrity whose steady hand helped guide the country through one of its darkest moments.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
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THE UNEXPECTED LEADER: GERALD FORD AND THE FALL OF RICHARD NIXON
ROXANNE ROBINSON
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Copyright © ROXANNE ROBINSON, 2024.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: THE RISE OF GERALD FORD
Politics as an Entry Point
Beyond Congress: TheWarren Commission
CHAPTER 2: RICHARD NIXON’S FALL FROM GRACE
The Emergence of the Watergate Scandal
Nixon's Presidency: A Dissection
CHAPTER 3: THE VICE PRESIDENCY BECKONS
Ford's Vice Presidential Nomination
The Vice President during a Challenging Period
Gerald Ford’s Readiness to Lead
CHAPTER 4: THE EMERGENCE OF GERALD FORD AS THE US PRESIDENT AND THE RESIGNATION OF RICHARD NIXON
Gerald Ford Takes Office as President
Difficulties of Serving as an Unelected President
CHAPTER 5: RICHARD NIXON'S PARDON
Political and Public Response to Gerald Ford’s Decision to Pardon Richard Nixon
The Implications of Richard Nixon Pardon on Ford's Presidency
CHAPTER 6: HOW GERALD FORD MANAGED THE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES OF 1970s
How Gerald Ford Battles Congress Opposition and Vetos
The President’s Initiatives for Internal Reforms
CHAPTER 7: FOREIGN POLICIES UNDER GERALD FORD
Southeast Asia's Challenges
Diplomacy in the Middle East
CHAPTER 8: GERALD FORD'S LEGACY AND THE 1976 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
Battles in Congress
Contemplating President Ford
Gerald Ford's Leadership: A Historical Assessment
REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
Gerald Ford became the president of the United States of America at a time when public confidence in government institutions was at an all-time low. He was not elected to the presidency by popular vote, but rather by Richard Nixon's resignation he ascended the position. Nixon's presidency was overshadowed by the Watergate scandal, which destroyed public trust in the government and left the nation in dire need of stability and healing.
Gerald Ford was thrown into the thick of this political storm despite never having considered running for president. Ford, a seasoned congressman from Michigan known for his honesty and diligence, was viewed as a stable, trustworthy leader who could help restore order following the debacle surrounding Watergate. But he had a huge task ahead of him. The political rifts that Nixon had deepened now threatened to split the country apart, and the public's confidence in the presidency had been damaged.
This introduction examines how Ford's ascent to the presidency resulted from both unanticipated events and unanticipated circumstances in American history. It will give a summary of the political climate that existed prior to his rise to power, the circumstances surrounding Nixon's resignation, and the story of how Ford a man more renowned for his modesty and commitment to public service than for any lofty political aspirations became the 38th President of the United States.
The Nationally Shaking Scandal
One must first comprehend the scope of the Watergate scandal and its profound effects on the American political system in order to appreciate Gerald Ford's presidency. Beyond merely being a political scandal, Watergate was a national trauma that exposed the weaknesses in the American political system and the risks associated with unfettered executive power.
When Watergate initially started to come apart, Richard Nixon, who had been easily reelected in 1972, was at the pinnacle of his political career. What began as an attempted break-in at the DNC headquarters in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C., quickly became a major crisis. Nixon's downfall ultimately resulted from the cover-up that his top aides later carried out and from the President's own involvement in obstructing justice.
The American people were glued to their television screens as the scandal grew, watching Senate hearings and hearing about allegations of criminal activity, power abuse, and corruption at the highest levels of government. Unquestionable proof of Nixon's involvement was provided by the infamous Nixon tapes, which captured exchanges in the Oval Office, and the possibility of his impeachment lingered. The legitimacy of the presidency itself was called into question, and the nation was in a state of chaos.
The Agnew Step Down and Ford's Surprising Journey to the Vice Presidency
Spiro Agnew, Nixon's vice president, dealt with his own legal issues while the president was mired in the Watergate scandal. After entering a plea of not guilty to accusations of tax evasion and accepting bribes while serving as governor of Maryland, Agnew tendered his resignation in October 1973. His resignation dealt a further blow to an already troubled administration and left the country in the midst of an unprecedented political crisis without a vice president.
Agnew was replaced as vice president by Gerald Ford in this disorganized atmosphere. Ford had served in the House of Representatives for more than 20 years, during which time he developed a solid reputation as a devoted Republican and a capable leader with so much charisma. At the time of his selection, he was the House Minority Leader and was well-liked by both parties for his honesty and directness.
He was a safe pick for Nixon, who needed someone the Senate and House would confirm promptly. Republicans and Democrats alike held Ford in high regard, and his nomination was generally viewed as a balancing act. Few people anticipated that Ford, despite his lengthy service in Congress, would ever become more than a lawmaker. He was a modestly ambitious man who was happy to serve his party and his district. However, with Agnew gone and Nixon's future unclear, Ford found himself suddenly in the running for president.
The 38th President of the Nation
Richard Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, making history as the first American president to do so. Nixon made the decision to resign, leaving the Oval Office to Gerald Ford, who took the oath of office the same day, in the face of almost certain impeachment and conviction. The famous quote from Ford's inaugural speech as president read, "Our long national nightmare is over."
Ford's rise to power ended Nixon's presidency, but the problems the country faced persisted. He took over a nation that was bitterly divided and mistrustful of its authorities. The economy was in a slump, with unemployment and inflation both on the rise. Foreign policy was still dominated by the Cold War, and the US was still in shock over its withdrawal from Vietnam. At home, the fallout from Watergate was still being felt as inquiries went on and demands for responsibility intensified.
Ford was pressed for time to acclimate to his new office. In order to lead a nation in crisis and rebuild public confidence in the presidency, he had to move quickly. Although his honesty and composed manner gave some hope, the obstacles in front of him was overwhelming. The question of what to do about Nixon was the most urgent of all.
The Pardon Decision
Just one month after taking office, Ford made the contentious choice to pardon Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed as president. This decision was the turning point in his presidency. He believed that a protracted trial or prosecution of Nixon would only serve to widen rifts within the nation and divert attention away from the tasks of government. He equally believed that the pardon would aid in the country's healing and forward motion.
There was a great deal of outrage over the pardon. Ford's detractors claimed he struck a deal with Nixon in return for the presidency, but no proof of this arrangement was ever discovered. Ford's popularity fell, and the support he had at first received as a calming presence in the wake of Watergate virtually vanished in an instant. The pardon was seen by many Americans as a betrayal and an indication that justice had not been done.
Ford, however, stuck to his guns, even though it probably cost him the opportunity to win the 1976 election. Later in life, he considered the pardon to be the most challenging yet crucial choice of his presidency, one that he felt was made with the best interests of the nation in mind.
An Unintentional Head of State
In many respects, Gerald Ford's ascent to the presidency was an accident of history. He had never run for the position and was not elected. Nevertheless, he was asked to take the helm during a national emergency, to revive confidence in the US government, and to steer the nation through one of its most tumultuous times. Serving others and making sacrifices—doing what was right even when it was unpopular—are the hallmarks of Ford's legacy. His presidency is a monument to the tenacity of American democracy and the difficulties of leading in the face of difficulty. It was shaped by the events that followed Nixon's downfall.
CHAPTER 1: THE RISE OF GERALD FORD
Gerald Rudolph Ford, born Leslie Lynch King Jr., was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska, into turbulent circumstances. His presidency, which was shaped by the fallout after Nixon, is a testament to the tenacity of American democracy and the challenges of leadership in the face of adversity. Ford's mother, Dorothy Gardner, left him when he was just a few weeks old due to the violent and unstable behavior of his biological father, Leslie Lynch King Sr. Dorothy relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with her newborn son, seeking safety with her parents. Dorothy quickly made friends in this new setting and married Gerald R. Ford Sr., a paint salesman from the area who gave the future president his name and the secure, loving upbringing that his biological father was unable to give him.
Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and was known for his modesty and simplicity. Gerald's adoptive father put forth a lot of effort to support the family and inculcated in him a strong work ethic that eventually define his life. Gerald's upbringing was centered on the principles of honesty, hard work, and thriftiness since the Fords led a comfortable but frugal lifestyle. He formed a strong sense of duty to his family and community at a young age and discovered the value of earning one's way.
Ford grew up in a close-knit neighborhood with a strong sense of community. He played sports with friends outside most of the time and attended the public schools in the area. During these early years, Ford developed a strong passion for sports, especially football, which became a major part of his life. His moral compass was further shaped by the lessons he learned in the local Episcopal Church, where his family was worshipped. The principles of justice, integrity, and selflessness were the things that defined his life.
Ford had some challenging years growing up. Even though his adopted father provided him with stability and love, he was burdened by the knowledge of his biological father's desertion. His relationship with his biological father was strained throughout his life; he did not meet him until he was a high school student. Ford was able to thrive despite this because of his tenacity and the solid foundation his mother and adopted father inculcated in him.
Ford had matured into a well-rounded young man by the time he started high school, achieving academic and athletic success. Particularly on the football field, his skills started to draw notice, and it was obvious that he had a bright future ahead of him. Ford's football career opened the doors, but in the end, his character and tenacity defined his future.
Education at Yale Law School and the University of Michigan
Gerald Ford was given a scholarship to the University of Michigan in 1931 because of his passion for football. He played center and linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines football team, where he excelled and made the team proud in numerous occasions. He was a member of two unbeaten national championship teams in 1932 and 1933 which was dueto his exceptional skill in football. He was never the team's biggest star, but it was evident that he was a disciplined leader who was dedicated to his teammates. Despite playing behind many well-known players, he gained respect for his diligence, modesty, and teamwork which were qualities that later characterized his political career.
Football wasn't the only thing that shaped Ford's time at Michigan. In addition, he was a committed student who managed to fit a demanding academic schedule around his commitments to football. His interest in politics and public service was piqued by his majors in political science and economics. His academic progress took some time, but with perseverance and hard work, he graduated into a capable student. The perseverance and discipline that he had been taught as a child were strengthened by his experiences at Michigan.
Ford had goals beyond football, even in spite of his achievements on the field. He declined offers to play professional football from the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions after graduating in 1935. He decided to pursue a career in law instead, which was a reflection of his growing interest in governance and public service. He was accepted into Yale Law School, one of the most esteemed universities in the country, in 1938 after working as an assistant football coach at Yale University to help pay for his education.
Gerald Ford was a dedicated and aspirational student at Yale. In addition to helping to cover his tuition, coaching football allowed him to stay in touch with his athletic heritage. But Ford's attention was absorbed by the law. He flourished in the demanding academic setting and gained a deep comprehension of the legal system that became useful in his future political career. During the time he was a student at Yale, he encountered individuals from different backgrounds and viewpoints, which broadened his perspective and shaped his worldview.
Following his graduation from Yale Law School in 1941, Ford quickly passed the Michigan bar. Equipped with an elite education and an increasing fervor for public service, he made his way back to Grand Rapids, where he became a member of a nearby lawfirm. But his legal career did not last longas he later joined the military as the world was on the verge of war.
World War II Military Service
Gerald Ford felt a strong sense of duty to his country and volunteered for military service right away, as did many young men of his generation, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, just months after he had returned to Grand Rapids and begun his legal career. He joined the U.S. Navy in April 1942, abandoning his promising legal career to support the war effort.
Ford completed his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station before starting his naval career. His discipline and leadership qualities were soon acknowledged, and in 1942 he was commissioned as an ensign in the Naval Reserve. Initially assigned to the Navy Pre-Flight School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, he used his experience as a Yale football coach to great effect as an athletic instructor. Ford took pride in preparing his young pilots for the challenges they would face both in the air and on the battlefield. Part of his role involved training them to meet the physical and mental demands of combat.
However, Ford was keen to see active duty, and in 1943 he was assigned as a gunnery officer to the light aircraft carrier USS Monterey. The Pacific Fleet included the Monterey where he participated in some of the war's most important naval engagements, such as those in the Marianas, New Guinea, and the Philippines. Ford's ship took part in one of the biggest naval engagements in history, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, as a member of Admiral William Halsey's Third Fleet.
Ford was exposed to the perils and tribulations of war while serving on the Monterey. His ship was caught in a typhoon off the coast of the Philippines in December 1944. The storm was so strong that the Monterey caught fire and several ships sustained damage. The ship was reportedly saved in part because of Ford's quick thinking and strong leadership. With the same bravery and tenacity that had characterized his football career, he risked his life to aid in the firefighting efforts as the ship burned.
Ford's perspective was significantly impacted by his wartime experiences. He witnessed firsthand the atrocities of war, the sacrifices made by his comrades in the armed forces, and the devastation caused by international strife. These encounters strengthened his commitment to assisting in the creation of a more equitable and peaceful world and confirmed his view of the value of public service.
Ford was honorably released from the Navy in 1946, having attained the rank of lieutenant commander. He changed after his time in the Navy and went back to Grand Rapids to continue his legal career. After seeing the world outside of Michigan, he felt more driven than ever to serve the public good. Ford soon shifted his focus to politics, which ultimately propelled him to the nation's highest position.
