Challenges in the Life of Gerald Ford in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Gerald Ford. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Gerald Ford, the 38th U.S. President, served from 1974-1977. A Republican, he ascended to the presidency after Richard Nixon's resignation, having previously served as Nixon's Vice President following Spiro Agnew's resignation. Before becoming Vice President, Ford was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973. His presidency was largely defined by his controversial pardon of Nixon and efforts to combat inflation during an economic downturn.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1935: Ford Hopes to Attend Yale Law School

In 1935, Gerald Ford hoped to attend Yale Law School, but his admission was initially denied due to his coaching responsibilities.

1966: Growing Criticism of Vietnam War Handling

In 1966, criticism grew over the Johnson Administration's handling of the Vietnam War, with Ford and Congressional Republicans expressing concern that the United States was not doing enough to win the war. The 1966 midterm elections resulted in a 47-seat swing in favor of the Republicans.

July 1974: Turkish Invasion of Cyprus

In July 1974, the Cyprus dispute escalated with the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, straining the NATO alliance.

September 1974: Arms sales ban to Turkey

In September 1974 there was a ban on arms sales to Turkey.

September 30, 1974: Creation of Economic Policy Board

On September 30, 1974, President Ford created the Economic Policy Board by Executive Order to address economic concerns during his administration.

October 4, 1974: Ford's Speech to Congress Kicking Off "WIN" Campaign

On October 4, 1974, Ford delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress to officially kick off the "WIN" campaign, aimed at curbing inflation and introducing a tax increase proposal.

October 1974: Launch of "Whip Inflation Now" (WIN) Campaign

In October 1974, President Ford initiated the "Whip Inflation Now" (WIN) campaign to combat rising inflation by urging Americans to reduce spending and consumption. The campaign included asking people to wear "WIN" buttons and proposing a one-year, five-percent income tax increase on corporations and wealthy individuals.

December 10, 1974: Compromise on Military Aid to Turkey

On December 10, 1974, a compromise was reached to continue aid to Turkey, contingent on Turkey not using American supplies in Cyprus.

December 1974: North Vietnamese Forces Invade Phuoc Long

In December 1974, months after Ford assumed office, North Vietnamese forces invaded the province of Phuoc Long to gauge South Vietnamese and American response.

1974: Congressional Midterm Elections

In 1974, the Congressional midterm elections resulted in the Democratic Party gaining 49 seats from the Republican Party in the House elections, increasing their majority to 291 of the 435 seats. Even Ford's former, reliably Republican House seat was won by a Democrat, Richard Vander Veen.

January 1975: Ford Proposes Tax Reduction to Stimulate Economy

In January 1975, Ford proposed a $16 billion tax reduction for one year to stimulate economic growth while also suggesting spending cuts to avoid inflation.

February 5, 1975: Suspension of U.S. Military Aid to Turkey

On February 5, 1975, U.S. military aid to Turkey was suspended due to the Cyprus dispute.

March 1975: Tax Reduction Act of 1975 Signed into Law

In March 1975, Ford signed the Tax Reduction Act of 1975 into law, which included income tax rebates, contributing to a federal deficit.

March 1975: Ford Frustrated with Israeli Tactics

In early March 1975, during Kissinger's shuttle diplomacy in Israel, Ford expressed frustration with what he considered Israel's "stalling" tactics in negotiations related to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

March 1975: Reassessment of Middle East Policies

On March 24, 1975, Ford informed congressional leaders of the reassessment of the administration's policies in the Middle East, leading to the suspension of further aid to Israel.

April 21, 1975: President Thieu Resigns

On April 21, 1975, South Vietnamese President Thieu resigned, blaming the lack of U.S. support for the fall of his country.

April 23, 1975: Ford Declares Vietnam War Over for America

On April 23, 1975, Ford announced in a speech at Tulane University that the Vietnam War was over "as far as America is concerned."

May 1975: Unemployment Reaches Nine Percent

In May 1975, during an economic recession, unemployment reached nine percent, shifting the Ford administration's focus to combating unemployment.

May 1975: Mayaguez Incident

In May 1975, shortly after the fall of Saigon and the Khmer Rouge conquest of Cambodia, Cambodians seized the American merchant ship Mayaguez in international waters. Ford dispatched Marines to rescue the crew, but the Marines landed on the wrong island and met unexpectedly stiff resistance just as, unknown to the U.S., the Mayaguez sailors were being released. Two military transport helicopters carrying the Marines were shot down, resulting in 41 U.S. servicemen killed and 50 wounded. Despite the American losses, the operation was considered a success in the United States.

September 5, 1975: Assassination Attempt by Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme

On September 5, 1975, in Sacramento, California, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, attempted to assassinate President Ford by pointing a Colt .45-caliber handgun at him. Secret Service agent Larry Buendorf intervened, and Fromme was taken into custody.

November 1975: Adoption of National Security Study Memorandum 200

In November 1975, Ford adopted the global human population control recommendations outlined in National Security Study Memorandum 200 as United States policy, aiming to protect American economic and military interests.

1975: Ford Declines to Bail Out New York City

In 1975, President Ford refused to provide federal support to bail out New York City from bankruptcy, leading to the New York Daily News' "Ford to City: Drop Dead" headline.

1975: Evacuation of Saigon and Vietnamese Refugees

In 1975, during Operation Frequent Wind, 1,373 U.S. citizens and 5,595 Vietnamese and third-country nationals were evacuated from Saigon, and approximately 130,000 Vietnamese refugees were admitted to the United States under the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act.

1975: Reagan Launches Campaign

In the autumn of 1975, Ronald Reagan launched his campaign for the Republican nomination, challenging Ford's incumbency.

February 5, 1976: Swine Flu Outbreak at Fort Dix

On February 5, 1976, an army recruit at Fort Dix died due to what health officials identified as "swine flu," prompting a public health campaign for mass vaccination.

December 1976: Cancellation of Swine Flu Vaccination Program

In December 1976, the swine flu vaccination program, plagued by delays and public relations issues, was cancelled after vaccinating approximately 25% of the U.S. population.

1976: Loss of Presidential Election

In 1976, Ford lost the presidential election, which historians believe was largely due to the controversy surrounding his pardon of Richard Nixon in 1974.