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Gerald R. Ford is sworn in as the thirty-eighth President of the United States,
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Gerald Ford Administration
Gerald R. Ford is sworn in as the thirty-eighth President of the United States, but the only President not elected by the Electoral College. He was a replacement for VP Spiro Agnew, appointed by Nixon and approved by the Senate. The Ford and Carter years are often referred to as a time of malaise – suffering from economic, political in global instability -
Nixon receives a pardon (VUS.13b)
Ford grants Richard Nixon a full pardon for any wrongdoing in the Watergate Scandal. Realizing it would crush his popularity, Ford believes it is in the best interest of the country to not have a former president sitting in prison. -
Healing Process (VUS.13c)
The government announces a clemency whereby draft evaders and military deserters could "earn their return to the mainstream of American society" by performing alternative services. This was a first step at attempting to mend the social wounds of Vietnam. -
Congressional Elections
In the off-year elections, Democrats are victorious all over the country. They gain 43 House seats and 3 Senate seats, giving them a majority in both Houses of Congress. They also gain 4 governorships. This is clear evidence of voter backlash of the Watergate Scandal that embarrassed the nation. -
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Open the books
The Freedom of Information Act is passed over Ford's veto. It provides expanded access to government files and allows secrecy classifications to be challenged in court and justified by the appropriate federal authorities. Another law considered fall-out from the Watergate Scandal. -
Domino Effect (VUS.13b, 15b)
The “domino theory” which justified containment in Vietnam– if one nation falls to communism then its neighbor would follow – happened as Cambodia falls to Khmer Rouge, beginning the worst genocide since the Holocaust. Laos would also fall to communism in December. These events caused major strain on American immigration policy, as many refugees tried to escape to the United States. -
Communists win in Vietnam (VUS.13b)
The city of Saigon falls to the North Vietnamese. The Ford administration evacuates remaining Americans and troops from the capital city. With heavy media coverage, America appears to have “lost” its first war against the communists. -
Assassination Attempts
Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a disciple of the Charles Manson Family, attempted to assassinate President Ford in San Francisco. Later that same month, a second attempt was made on Ford’s life, but was thwarted by a bystander. -
Apple Computers is Born (VUS.15c)
Though it would be several years before personal computers would become a powerful tool for people to use from work and homes, the efforts of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak changed the face of technology. The Apple II series computer became the first “affordable” and functional personal computer, increasing the possibilities of distance learning and telecommuting. -
Happy Birthday, America
The nation celebrates its Bicentennial - 200 years old! President Ford speaks at Valley Forge and Independence Hall. No gift from the French this time… -
A Close Call for a Sitting President
After a hard fought battle against former Governor Ronald Reagan of California, the Republican National Convention nominates Ford as its presidential candidate. Reagan would try again four years later, and initiate the “Reagan Revolution”. -
Turning to an “outsider”
Jimmy Carter defeats Gerald Ford for the presidency, symbolizing Americans’ interest in separating from Watergate and Vietnam. The “peanut farmer” from Georgia is believed too far outside of Washington politics to be corrupted.
