AQA · A-Level · History
Course version: 7042 · Version from Sept 2017
Reality and illusion, 1945–1980 – Republican reaction: the Nixon…
Full specification wording
2Q The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980 – Republican reaction: the Nixon Presidency, 1968–1974 (A-level only): The Presidential election of 1968 and the reasons for Nixon’s victory: divisions within the Democratic Party; the personalities and policies of the Nixon administration
The 1968 election marked a pivotal shift, culminating in Richard Nixon’s victory.
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- Point 1 of 4
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The 1968 election marked a pivotal shift, culminating in Richard Nixon’s victory. Nixon capitalised on deep divisions within the Democratic Party, exacerbated by the Vietnam War and the chaotic Chicago convention, which left Hubert Humphrey struggling to unite a fractured base. Nixon appealed to the 'Silent Majority' with promises of 'peace with honour' and restored law and order. Once in power, the Nixon administration was shaped by distinct personalities, notably Henry Kissinger, who drove pragmatic foreign policies like détente. Domestically, Nixon's policies included New Federalism to decentralise power, alongside environmental initiatives like creating the EPA, reflecting a complex blend of conservative rhetoric and moderate governance.
What earns the marks
- Explain how the Vietnam War and the 1968 Chicago convention fractured the Democratic Party.
- Analyse Nixon's 'Southern Strategy' and his appeal to the 'Silent Majority' as key reasons for his 1968 electoral victory.
- Evaluate the influence of key personalities, such as Henry Kissinger, on the administration's direction.
- Assess the impact of Nixon's domestic policies, including New Federalism and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming Nixon won a landslide in 1968.
Put it right: He actually won a narrow popular vote victory over Hubert Humphrey, though the electoral college margin was wider.
Claiming the Democratic Party was united behind Humphrey.
Put it right: The party was deeply fractured by anti-war protests and the assassination of Robert Kennedy.
Describing Nixon's domestic policies as purely conservative.
Put it right: He actually implemented several moderate policies, such as expanding environmental protections and proposing welfare reform.
Exam tips
- Contrast the chaotic Democratic convention in Chicago with Nixon's carefully managed campaign to explain his appeal to voters seeking stability.
- Use the phrase 'Silent Majority' to demonstrate an understanding of Nixon's target demographic of non-protesting, middle-class Americans.
- Link the personalities of Nixon and Kissinger to the secretive and pragmatic nature of their foreign policy decisions.
Try the lesson
The start of the 2Q The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980 – Republican reaction: the Nixon Presidency, 1968–1974 (A-level only): The Presidential election of 1968 and the reasons for Nixon’s victory: divisions within the Democratic Party; the personalities and policies of the Nixon administration lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of the following was a primary cause of the deep divisions within the Democratic Party during the 1968 Presidential election?
Listen
The 1968 election marked a pivotal shift, culminating in Richard Nixon’s victory. Nixon capitalised on deep divisions within the Democratic Party, exacerbated by the Vietnam War and the chaotic Chicago convention, which left Hubert Humphrey struggling to unite a fractured base. Nixon appealed to the 'Silent Majority' with promises of 'peace with honour' and restored law and order. Once in power, the Nixon administration was shaped by distinct personalities, notably Henry Kissinger, who drove pragmatic foreign policies like détente. Domestically, Nixon's policies included New Federalism to decentralise power, alongside environmental initiatives like creating the EPA, reflecting a complex blend of conservative rhetoric and moderate governance. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain how the Vietnam War and the 1968 Chicago convention fractured the Democratic Party. Analyse Nixon's 'Southern Strategy' and his appeal to the 'Silent Majority' as key reasons for his 1968 electoral victory. Evaluate the influence of key personalities, such as Henry Kissinger, on the administration's direction. Assess the impact of Nixon's domestic policies, including New Federalism and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. Exam tip: Contrast the chaotic Democratic convention in Chicago with Nixon's carefully managed campaign to explain his appeal to voters seeking stability.
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Test your understanding of 2Q The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980 – Republican reaction: the Nixon Presidency, 1968–1974 (A-level only): The Presidential election of 1968 and the reasons for Nixon’s victory: divisions within the Democratic Party; the personalities and policies of the Nixon administration
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