Description Researched essay of 1000+ words (or at least 4 full pages in 12 pt. font) exploring the topic pulling from primary sources of all/any types.
Description
Researched essay of 1000+ words (or at least 4 full pages in 12 pt. font) exploring the topic pulling from primary sources of all/any types. See Starting Your History Essay for reference. You’ll learn more about primary sources in Unit 1 – remember, using only secondary sources will not suffice!
WRITE AN ESSAY ON THE OUTLINE
Youthful Power: The Impact of the Young Americans for Freedom Activism on the 1964-1972 Elections and Richard Nixon’s Presidency
Broad Theme: Politics and Citizenship: What does it mean to be an American citizen? What is the role of the government?
Topic: Youthful Power: The Impact of the Young Americans for Freedom Activism on the 1964-1976 Elections and Richard Nixon’s Presidency
Time Period: 1964 to 1973
Format: Essay
Thesis: The Young Americans for Freedom’s activism played a significant role in shaping the outcomes of the 1964- 1972 election and influencing Richard Nixon’s presidency, demonstrated by their efforts in recruiting young voters, advocating for policy changes, and impacting Nixon’s strategic decisions.
Project Approach: For this project, I have decided to write an essay. I plan to explore the impact of the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) activism organization on the election from 1964- 1972, and its influence on Richard Nixon’s presidency. It’s really interesting to see how young Americans played such a big role in shaping politics during this time, especially with the big change brought by the Twenty- sixth amendment, which lowered the age to vote to 18. I will organize this essay chronologically, going through the key events from 1964 to 1973 to highlight how Nixon’s policies and election strategies were affected. The scholarly sources will help back up my arguments with solid evidence, giving insight into the formation of the young voters for President in the 1972 election and the important role of the YAF in shaping elections and national politics. My goal while writing this essay is to help the reader understand how youth activism fits into the bigger political picture and how Americans democracy changes over time.
Annotated Bibliography
Blumenthal, Seth E. “Children of the ‘Silent Majority’: Richard Nixon’s Young Voters for the President, 1972.” Journal of Policy History, Vol. 27, Issue 2, 2 March 2015, pp. 337–363.
This journal article explains how Nixon formed the Youth Voters for Nixon to split the youth vote and edge George McGovern in the 1972 election. This comes one year after the Twenty-sixth Amendment has been ratified, allowing people over 18 to vote.
Schneider, Gregory L. Cadres for Conservatism: Young Americans for Freedom and the Rise of the Contemporary Right, New York: New York University Press, 1999, pp. 1-263. ISBN: 978-0814781081.
In this article, Schneider explores the influence of the Young Americans for Freedom from 1964 to Ronald Reagan’s ascent to the presidency in 1981. In the book, Schneider details YAF’s influence on the Nixon administration’s policies that favored the youth, such as the ratification of the Twenty-sixth Amendment and the decision to pull United States forces from Vietnam, mainly consisting of the youth.
OUTLINE
I. Introduction
A. When Nixon was in the political wilderness in 1964, he observed how the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), through their Youth for Goldwater, were instrumental to Barry Goldwater’s Republican nomination. Thus, Nixon allied himself with YAF’s leader, Pat Buchanan, as a research assistant to clinch the primaries. Most young conservatives approved of Ronald Reagan in the Republican primaries. While the tactic did not work as intended, YAF’s impact was felt via Nixon’s push to ratify the Twenty-sixth Amendment and plan to exit the Vietnam War.
II. First Body Paragraph
A. Nixon’s loyalty to Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election and his recognition of the potential youth support garnered by the Young Americans for Freedom.
1. Nixon’s persistence in seeking YAF’s support for the 1968 Republican primaries, despite the movement’s preference for Ronald Reagan.
a. Nixon’s collaboration with Pat Buchanan, a YAF leader, as a research assistant during the primaries.
b. Nixon’s alignment with YAF demonstrates his understanding of the importance of youth activism in electoral politics and his efforts to court their support.
III. Second Body Paragraph
A. Nixon’s acknowledgment of the significance of the youth vote following the 1968 elections.
1. Nixon’s anti-youth messaging and his realization of the importance of youth support in close electoral contests.
a. Nixon’s portrayal of young radicals as violent and dirty to appeal to conservative voters.
b. Analysis: Nixon’s shift in rhetoric reflects his recognition of the need to appeal to young voters and his strategic response to their growing influence.
IV. Third Body Paragraph
A. Nixon’s administration’s active role in advocating for the ratification of the Twenty-sixth Amendment.
1. The relevance of the Amendment in extending voting rights to 18-year-olds, particularly amid the Vietnam War draft.
a. Nixon’s public support for lowering the voting age to 18, citing the draft as a key issue.
b. Nixon’s advocacy for the Amendment reflects his efforts to address the concerns of young Americans and secure their participation in the political process.
V. Fourth Body Paragraph
A. Nixon’s successful reelection in the 1972 elections, with a notable increase in youth support.
1. Nixon’s establishment of the Youth Voters for the President campaign to secure his victory over George McGovern.
a. Example: Nixon’s targeted outreach to young voters through campaign eventS and advertisements.
b. Analysis: Nixon’s campaign strategy demonstrates his recognition of the importance of mobilizing young voters and solidifying his electoral base.
VI. Fifth Body Paragraph
A. Nixon’s efforts to end the Vietnam War and their resonance with young Americans.
1. Nixon’s negotiation strategies leading to the Paris Peace Accords and the subsequent withdrawal of U.S. forces from Vietnam.
a. Nixon’s engagement in diplomatic efforts to negotiate peace terms with North Vietnam.
b. Nixon’s pursuit of peace reflects his responsiveness to the anti-war sentiments among young Americans and his efforts to address their concerns.
VII. Sixth Body Paragraph
A. Nixon’s enduring legacy in shaping the role of youth in American politics.
1. The lasting impact of Nixon’s engagement with young voters and his strategic alignment with youth activism.
a. Nixon’s continued efforts to attract youth support even after his presidency.
b. Nixon’s approach to youth engagement underscores the evolving dynamics of American democracy and the lasting influence of targeted campaign strategies.
VIII. Conclusion
A. Nixon’s strategic alignment with the Young Americans for Freedom movement and his efforts to secure the support of young voters highlight the evolving role of youth in American politics and the significance of targeted campaign strategies.
1.Nixon’s presidency serves as a case study in the intersection of political strategy, youth activism, and electoral success, underscoring the complexities of American democracy and the evolving dynamics of citizenship and governance.
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