Administration of Richard Nixon (R) (jan 20, 1961 – jan 19, 1969)

Description:

Largely considered at first to be a continuation of the Eisenhower administration, Nixon's time in office was marked by notable accomplishments and conflicts that would have reverberations throughout history. His defeat of Stevenson allowed him to continue Eisenhower's policies. However, he quickly encounters two issues that require him to deviant from his predecessor. First, the Russians, undeterred from America's launch of Explorer I four years earlier, send the first human into space. This galvanizes Nixon into reducing the bloat and competition between the military branches, and establishing AIM to improve and expedite the space program.

Next was the invasion of Cuba, a plan developed for Eisenhower. Nixon needed to look strong on foreign affairs, and needed to stand up to the Soviets in a way that set him apart from Eisenhower and Korea. The invasion was not fast or easy, and US military was forced to stay and fight longer than anticipated. But Castro was killed and a US backed regime was installed. By the time the 1964 election was called, troops were not in active combat, and the success increased Nixon's desire to use SHIELD's less overt tactics in combating communism than military force. In response to riots and protests, he worked with House Leader LBJ to push through a moderate civil rights bill in 1964, hoping it would secure his reelection, which worked. His second term saw Khrushchev removed from Russian power. He started to lay the groundwork for a relationship with China, after their break from the Soviets. He also passed Voter Rights legislation, and an Medicare bill.

Added to timeline:

Date: