38.+Gerald+R.+Ford

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= **__Gerald R. Ford__**

__Background Information__ Gerald R. Ford was born in Nebraska in 1913. He attended Yale University where he earned his law degree. Not ony did he attend college, but he was also involved in the Navy as a lieutenant commander. After the war, he finished his degree and became involved in politics. Ford served 25 years in Congress. He was the House Minority Leader from 1965 to 1973. He later became Vice President under the 25th amendment. Then, once President Nixon resigned after the Watergate Scandal, Ford became the president. __Accomplishments__

**__Domestic__**- When Ford took office in 1974, he had to deal with many problems. His first goal was to control inflation (price increase). At that time, recession was a big domestic problem. He had to control the economy and avoid inflation. Ford vetoed about 39 bills that would have increased the federal deficit. He used his power to veto because the proposed bills would have had negative effects. In order to control inflation, Ford created the WIN Program. WIN stands for "Whip Inflation Now". Ford urged Americans to wear WIN buttons and asked them to reduce their spending. This would fix inflation and also would help fix unemployment. During his presidency, he cut inflation by more than half. The rate went from 12.2% to 4.6%. __**Foreign**__-Besides dealing with domestic issues, Ford also had to solve foreign problems as well. He had to fight to keep the U.S power and respect after the fall of Vietnam and Cambodia. Also, he had to prevent a war in the Middle East. Ford and his administration provided aid to Israel and Egypt. They persuaded the two countries to accept a temporary truce agreement. This act by Ford kept the relationship between the U.S and the Soviet Union calm. **__Other accomplishments-__** Despite all the big domestic and foreign issues that Ford had to solve, he still took the time and focused on smaller things. In 1975, Ford signed the Education for all Handicapped Children Act. This act requires that all public schools that recieve federal funds must provide fair, equal access and opportunity to education for all children with disabilities. The act also creates an educational plan that would be similar to the non-disabled students. __Summary__ Gerald R. Ford was a very important and signifigant president. Although he was only president because of succession, he still turned out to be very successful. Ford dealt with domestic and foreign issues that were very complicated. He controlled inflation, which was a big problem in the country, and he encouraged and urged Americans to take action and change the country. Ford avoided another war, and he kept the relationship with the Soviet Union calm. He not only solved the major problems, but he also took the time to make a difference with the smaller issues. He worked to make education better for handicapped children. This all shows how much of a dedicated and influential president Ford was. He should be praised for all his great accomplishments that further shaped what the U.S is today.