Richard Nixon's Domestic Policies

Activity Overview

Nixon came to the White House during the turbulent time of the Vietnam War. His domestic policies aimed to address issues like the anti-war movement, the oil crisis, and inflation. Using a spider map, students will outline, define, and explain Nixon's domestic policies. This activity will provide students with a base from which they can analyze and synthesize how Nixon conducted affairs domestically and the impact his initiatives had on the country.

Teachers may pre-select which major policies define his domestic agenda or have students complete research to determine what they believe to be the six major policies. Suggested topics include social issues, the anti-war movement, the economy and inflation, the oil crisis, his “Southern Strategy”, and the first moon landing.

Extended Activity

Have students create a 5 Ws spider map on one specific domestic policy. Students should define and explain the major points of why such policy was initiated, as well as what effect it had on the American government and public. This will allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of Nixon’s policies as a president, as well as place his actions into a broader historical context.