What Impact Does the Nixon Presidency Have on the Goals

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The Answer is The presidency of Richard Nixon (1969-1974) had a complex impact on the goals of the civil rights movement in the United States. While Nixon's administration did make some efforts to support civil rights, it also took actions that were seen as setbacks by many civil rights advocates. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Affirmative Action: One of the significant contributions of the Nixon presidency to civil rights was the implementation of "affirmative action." Nixon's administration developed the "Philadelphia Plan," which required contractors on federal projects to meet certain minority hiring quotas. This was an important step in promoting employment opportunities for minorities and was a clear extension of civil rights goals.

2. School Desegregation: Nixon's presidency saw the continuation of school desegregation efforts that had begun in the 1950s and 1960s. While Nixon personally seemed ambivalent about desegregation, his administration enforced court orders to desegregate schools, particularly in the South. However, Nixon also supported "freedom of choice" plans, which many civil rights activists felt were a way to slow down the desegregation process.

3. Southern Strategy: Nixon's political strategy had a significant impact on civil rights. He employed what came to be known as the "Southern Strategy," which sought to gain the support of white voters in the South by appealing to their dissatisfaction with federal desegregation policies and the civil rights movement. This strategy involved a shift in the Republican Party's stance on civil rights and contributed to a political realignment that affected civil rights goals.

4. Law and Order Rhetoric: Nixon's emphasis on "law and order" was seen by many as a response to the civil unrest that characterized the late 1960s, including the riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Critics argue that this rhetoric was used to undermine the civil rights movement by associating it with disorder and to appeal to white voters who were uneasy about the rapid pace of social change.

5. Economic Policies: Nixon's economic policies had mixed effects on the civil rights movement's goals. On one hand, he supported minority business development through initiatives like the Office of Minority Business Enterprise. On the other hand, his economic policies did not always prioritize the needs of low-income and minority communities, which were key constituencies of the civil rights movement.

6. Supreme Court Appointments: Nixon appointed four Supreme Court justices during his presidency, which had a long-term impact on civil rights litigation. The Court's decisions during and after Nixon's presidency on issues such as busing, affirmative action, and voting rights had significant implications for the civil rights movement.

In summary, the Nixon presidency had a nuanced impact on the civil rights movement. While there were some advancements, such as affirmative action and the enforcement of desegregation, Nixon's Southern Strategy and law and order rhetoric were seen as steps backward by many civil rights advocates. The legacy of Nixon's presidency on civil rights is one of both progress and retrenchment, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of his policies and political strategies.

What Impact Does the Nixon Presidency Have on the Goals

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What Impact Does the Nixon Presidency Have on the Goals

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Correct Answer:
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