In the annals of American political history, the Nixon administration stands out as a tumultuous and controversial era. At the helm of this administration was Richard Nixon, a figure forever etched in the public consciousness for his role in the Watergate scandal. However, behind every president stands a vice president, and in Nixon's case, that man was Spiro Agnew.
Spiro Agnew, a charismatic and ambitious politician from Maryland, ascended to the vice presidency in 1969 alongside President Nixon. His selection as Nixon's running mate was a strategic move, as Agnew's conservative credentials and Southern roots appealed to a significant segment of the Republican electorate.
As the vice president, Spiro Agnew assumed various duties and responsibilities. He acted as the president of the Senate, presiding over its proceedings and casting tie-breaking votes when necessary. He also represented the United States on various diplomatic missions and played a key role in shaping the administration's policies.
Who Was Nixon's Vice President?
Here are 10 important points about Spiro Agnew, Richard Nixon's vice president:
- Conservative Republican: Agnew was a strong conservative, appealing to the Republican base.
- Southern Roots: His Southern roots helped Nixon win over Southern voters.
- Governor of Maryland: Served as Governor of Maryland before becoming vice president.
- President of the Senate: As vice president, he presided over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes.
- Diplomatic Missions: Represented the US on various diplomatic missions.
- Policy Shaping: Played a role in shaping the Nixon administration's policies.
- Resignation: Resigned in 1973 after pleading no contest to tax evasion charges.
- Corruption Allegations: Accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks while Governor of Maryland.
- Pardoned by Nixon: President Nixon pardoned Agnew after his resignation.
- Controversial Figure: Agnew remains a controversial figure in American political history.
These points provide a concise overview of Spiro Agnew's life and career, highlighting his key role as Richard Nixon's vice president.
Conservative Republican: Agnew was a strong conservative, appealing to the Republican base.
Spiro Agnew's conservative political views were a defining characteristic of his career and played a significant role in his selection as Richard Nixon's vice president.
- Anti-communist Stance: Agnew was a staunch anti-communist, aligning himself with the Republican Party's strong stance against communism during the Cold War era.
His hawkish stance on foreign policy appealed to many conservative voters who were concerned about the spread of communism.
Limited Government: Agnew advocated for limited government intervention in the economy and social issues. He believed in individual liberty and free enterprise, principles that resonated with Republican voters who favored a smaller government.His support for states' rights also appealed to Southern conservatives who were wary of federal overreach.
Law and Order: Agnew was a strong supporter of law and order, taking a tough stance on crime and social unrest. He criticized the counterculture movement and advocated for stricter law enforcement.This position appealed to many conservative voters who were concerned about rising crime rates and social disorder.
Traditional Values: Agnew upheld traditional values such as patriotism, family, and religion. He criticized the perceived moral decline of society and advocated for a return to traditional values.This message resonated with many conservative voters who were concerned about the changing social landscape.
Spiro Agnew's conservative views made him a popular figure among Republican voters and helped him secure the vice presidency alongside Richard Nixon in 1969.
Southern Roots: His Southern roots helped Nixon win over Southern voters.
Spiro Agnew's Southern roots were a significant factor in his selection as Richard Nixon's running mate in the 1968 presidential election. The Republican Party had been struggling to win over Southern voters in recent elections, and Agnew's Southern heritage was seen as a way to bridge this gap.
Agnew was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but his family had deep roots in the South. His father was from Virginia, and his mother was from North Carolina. Agnew himself attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of Baltimore School of Law. After graduating from law school, he served in the United States Army during World War II.
After the war, Agnew entered politics, serving as Baltimore County Executive from 1962 to 1966. In 1966, he was elected Governor of Maryland, a position he held until 1969. As governor, Agnew gained a reputation as a moderate Republican who was willing to work with Democrats. He also took a strong stance against racial segregation and supported civil rights legislation.
Agnew's Southern roots and moderate political views made him an attractive choice for Nixon, who was hoping to win back Southern voters who had defected to the Democratic Party in recent elections. Agnew's selection as Nixon's running mate helped the Republican ticket win several Southern states in the 1968 election, ultimately contributing to Nixon's victory.
Spiro Agnew's Southern roots were a key factor in his selection as Nixon's vice president and played a significant role in Nixon's victory in the 1968 presidential election.
Governor of Maryland: Served as Governor of Maryland before becoming vice president.
Spiro Agnew's experience as Governor of Maryland from 1967 to 1969 was a key factor in his selection as Richard Nixon's vice president in 1968.
- Political Experience: As Governor of Maryland, Agnew gained valuable political experience that prepared him for the role of vice president. He oversaw the state government, managed a budget, and worked with the state legislature to pass legislation.
This experience demonstrated his ability to lead and work effectively with others, qualities that are essential for a successful vice president.
Moderate Record: Agnew's record as governor was moderate, which appealed to both Republicans and Democrats. He supported civil rights legislation, increased funding for education, and promoted economic development. This moderate record made him an attractive choice for Nixon, who was hoping to appeal to a broad range of voters.Agnew's moderate stance also helped to balance Nixon's more conservative views.
Popularity: Agnew was a popular governor in Maryland. He won re-election in 1966 by a wide margin, demonstrating his strong support among Maryland voters. This popularity made him a valuable asset to the Republican ticket in the 1968 presidential election.His popularity also suggested that he could help Nixon win over moderate voters who might otherwise have voted for the Democratic candidate.
Controversies: Agnew's governorship was not without controversy. He was accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks from state contractors. These allegations eventually led to his resignation as vice president in 1973. However, at the time of his selection as Nixon's running mate, these allegations had not yet surfaced.Therefore, Agnew's record as governor was generally seen as positive and contributed to his selection as vice president.
Spiro Agnew's experience as Governor of Maryland provided him with the political experience, moderate record, and popularity that made him an attractive choice for Richard Nixon's vice president.
President of the Senate: As vice president, he presided over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes.
One of the most important roles of the vice president is to serve as President of the Senate. This role involves presiding over the Senate, maintaining order during debates, and casting tie-breaking votes when necessary.
- Presiding Officer: The vice president, as President of the Senate, presides over the Senate's daily proceedings. This includes recognizing senators who wish to speak, ruling on points of order, and ensuring that the Senate's rules are followed.
The vice president's role as presiding officer is largely ceremonial, but it can become more significant when the Senate is evenly divided and the vice president's vote is needed to break a tie.
Tie-Breaking Votes: The vice president's most important role as President of the Senate is to cast tie-breaking votes. If the Senate is evenly divided on a vote, the vice president's vote determines the outcome. This power gives the vice president a significant amount of influence in the Senate, particularly when the outcome of a vote is close.For example, in 2017, Vice President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaking vote to confirm Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
Impartiality: While the vice president is a member of the executive branch, they are expected to be impartial when presiding over the Senate. This means that they should not use their position to favor one party or the other. The vice president's role is to ensure that the Senate operates fairly and efficiently.In recent years, there have been some controversies over the vice president's role in the Senate, with some arguing that the vice president should be more active in breaking ties. However, the traditional view is that the vice president should be impartial and only cast a tie-breaking vote when necessary.
Symbol of Unity: The vice president's role as President of the Senate is also seen as a symbol of unity between the executive and legislative branches of government. The vice president's presence in the Senate chamber serves as a reminder that the two branches are working together to serve the American people.The vice president's role in the Senate is an important one that requires impartiality, fairness, and a deep understanding of the legislative process.
Spiro Agnew served as President of the Senate from 1969 to 1973. During his tenure, he presided over the Senate with fairness and impartiality, and he cast several tie-breaking votes on important issues.
Diplomatic Missions: Represented the US on various diplomatic missions.
One of the important roles of the vice president is to represent the United States on diplomatic missions around the world. This can include meeting with foreign leaders, attending international conferences, and negotiating agreements on behalf of the United States.
Spiro Agnew undertook several diplomatic missions during his time as vice president. These missions included:
- Visit to South Vietnam: In 1969, Agnew visited South Vietnam to meet with President Nguyen Van Thieu and other South Vietnamese leaders. The purpose of the visit was to show support for the South Vietnamese government and to assess the progress of the Vietnam War.
- Trip to Europe: In 1970, Agnew embarked on a trip to Europe, visiting several countries including France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The purpose of the trip was to strengthen العلاقات between the United States and its European allies.
- Visit to Japan: In 1971, Agnew traveled to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Eisaku Sato. The purpose of the visit was to discuss trade relations between the United States and Japan, as well as other issues of mutual interest.
- Trip to Latin America: In 1972, Agnew undertook a trip to Latin America, visiting several countries including Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. The purpose of the trip was to promote closer ties between the United States and Latin American countries.
Agnew's diplomatic missions were generally successful in achieving their objectives. He was able to meet with foreign leaders, deliver the Nixon administration's messages, and help to strengthen relationships between the United States and other countries.
Spiro Agnew's diplomatic missions were an important part of his role as vice president. He represented the United States with skill and distinction, and he helped to promote American interests around the world.
Policy Shaping: Played a role in shaping the Nixon administration's policies.
As vice president, Spiro Agnew played a role in shaping the Nixon administration's policies. This involvement was due in part to Agnew's strong conservative views, which aligned closely with Nixon's own views.
- Domestic Policy: Agnew supported Nixon's domestic policies, including the "New Federalism" program, which aimed to devolve power from the federal government to state and local governments. Agnew was also a strong supporter of law and order, and he advocated for stricter crime control measures.
He also supported Nixon's efforts to promote economic growth and reduce inflation.
Foreign Policy: Agnew was a staunch supporter of Nixon's foreign policy, which was based on the principles of realism and détente. Agnew supported Nixon's decision to open relations with China and to negotiate a nuclear arms limitation treaty with the Soviet Union.He also supported Nixon's efforts to end the Vietnam War.
Social Policy: Agnew was a conservative on social issues, and he opposed abortion and same-sex marriage. He also supported school prayer and the teaching of creationism in schools.However, he was not as outspoken on social issues as some other members of the Nixon administration.
Economic Policy: Agnew supported Nixon's economic policies, which were aimed at promoting economic growth and reducing inflation. He supported Nixon's decision to impose wage and price controls in an effort to curb inflation.He also supported Nixon's efforts to reduce the federal budget deficit.
Spiro Agnew's role in shaping the Nixon administration's policies was significant. His conservative views aligned closely with Nixon's own views, and he was a strong supporter of Nixon's policies on a wide range of issues.
Resignation: Resigned in 1973 after pleading no contest to tax evasion charges.
Spiro Agnew's political career came to an abrupt end in 1973 when he resigned from office after pleading no contest to tax evasion charges.
- Investigation: In 1972, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began investigating Agnew for possible tax evasion. The IRS investigation revealed that Agnew had failed to pay taxes on income from a variety of sources, including bribes and kickbacks he had received while serving as Governor of Maryland.
The investigation also found that Agnew had used his position as vice president to pressure IRS officials to drop the investigation.
Resignation: Faced with the mounting evidence against him, Agnew resigned from office on October 10, 1973. In his resignation letter, Agnew admitted to accepting bribes and kickbacks, but he claimed that he had done so "inadvertently." He also apologized for his actions and expressed his regret for the pain he had caused his family, friends, and the American people.Agnew's resignation was a major scandal that tarnished the Nixon administration and contributed to Nixon's own resignation in 1974.
Plea Bargain: As part of his plea bargain with the Justice Department, Agnew agreed to plead no contest to one count of tax evasion. In exchange, the Justice Department agreed to drop the other charges against him.Agnew was sentenced to three years of probation and fined $10,000.
Pardon: After Nixon resigned from office, he issued a pardon to Agnew for all federal crimes he had committed or might have committed while serving as vice president.The pardon was controversial, and many people believed that it was an attempt by Nixon to protect himself from prosecution.
Spiro Agnew's resignation from office was a major political scandal that had a lasting impact on American politics. It also raised serious questions about the ethics and integrity of government officials.
Corruption Allegations: Accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks while Governor of Maryland.
Even before Spiro Agnew became vice president, he was dogged by allegations of corruption. These allegations stemmed from his time as Governor of Maryland, where he was accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks from state contractors.
- Kickback Scheme: The most serious allegation against Agnew was that he had participated in a kickback scheme involving state construction contracts. According to the allegations, Agnew received a percentage of the money that contractors paid to the state in exchange for being awarded contracts.
These allegations were based on testimony from several contractors who claimed that they had paid bribes to Agnew in order to win state contracts.
Bribes: Agnew was also accused of accepting bribes from individuals and companies who were seeking favorable treatment from the state government. For example, one company allegedly paid Agnew a bribe in order to obtain a liquor license.Another individual allegedly paid Agnew a bribe in order to obtain a state job.
Influence Peddling: In addition to accepting bribes and kickbacks, Agnew was also accused of using his influence as governor to benefit his friends and associates. For example, he allegedly pressured state officials to award contracts to companies that were owned by his friends.He also allegedly used his influence to help his friends obtain state jobs.
Investigation: The allegations of corruption against Agnew were investigated by a special prosecutor, who eventually concluded that there was enough evidence to indict Agnew on multiple charges. However, Agnew resigned from office before he could be indicted.As a result, he was never tried for the corruption charges.
The corruption allegations against Spiro Agnew cast a shadow over his career and contributed to his eventual downfall. These allegations also raised serious questions about the ethics and integrity of government officials.
Pardoned by Nixon: President Nixon pardoned Agnew after his resignation.
After Spiro Agnew resigned from office in disgrace, President Nixon issued a pardon to Agnew for all federal crimes he had committed or might have committed while serving as vice president. The pardon was controversial, and many people believed that it was an attempt by Nixon to protect himself from prosecution.
Nixon claimed that he pardoned Agnew in the best interests of the country. He argued that a trial of Agnew would be divisive and would further damage the public's trust in government. Nixon also claimed that Agnew was a victim of a political witch hunt and that he did not deserve to be punished for his crimes.
However, many people believed that Nixon's pardon of Agnew was an abuse of power. They argued that Nixon was trying to protect Agnew from prosecution because he feared that Agnew might implicate him in illegal activities. They also argued that the pardon sent a message that powerful people could get away with crimes that ordinary people would be punished for.
The pardon of Agnew remains a controversial issue to this day. Some people believe that Nixon was right to pardon Agnew, while others believe that the pardon was a mistake. Regardless of one's opinion on the matter, the pardon of Agnew is a significant event in American history.
Spiro Agnew's pardon by President Nixon was a major political scandal that had a lasting impact on American politics. It also raised serious questions about the ethics and integrity of government officials.
Controversial Figure: Agnew remains a controversial figure in American political history.
Spiro Agnew remains a controversial figure in American political history. His legacy is tarnished by the corruption scandal that forced him to resign from office, but he is also remembered as a skilled politician who played an important role in the Nixon administration.
- Corruption Scandal: Agnew's resignation from office in 1973 after pleading no contest to tax evasion charges is the defining event of his career. The scandal was a major embarrassment for the Nixon administration and contributed to Nixon's own resignation in 1974.
Agnew's involvement in the scandal damaged his reputation and left a lasting stain on his legacy.
Political Legacy: Despite the corruption scandal, Agnew is also remembered as a skilled politician who played an important role in the Nixon administration. He was a strong advocate for Nixon's policies, and he helped to bridge the gap between Nixon and the Republican Party's conservative base.Agnew was also a popular figure among many Americans, and he was seen as a potential future president.
Conservative Icon: Agnew is also remembered as a conservative icon. His strong stance against communism and his support for law and order made him a popular figure among conservatives. Agnew's speeches and writings were widely read by conservatives, and he was seen as a leading voice of the conservative movement.However, Agnew's conservatism was also seen as divisive by some, and his attacks on the media and the counterculture alienated many Americans.
Complex Legacy: Spiro Agnew's legacy is complex and contradictory. He was a skilled politician who played an important role in the Nixon administration, but he was also involved in a major corruption scandal that forced him to resign from office. Agnew is remembered as a conservative icon, but his conservatism was also seen as divisive by some.Ultimately, Agnew's legacy is a reminder that even the most successful politicians can be brought down by their own actions.
Spiro Agnew's place in American history is secure, but his legacy remains a subject of debate. Some people remember him as a skilled politician who was unfairly targeted by his political enemies, while others remember him as a corrupt politician who deserved to be punished for his crimes.
FAQ
Who was Spiro Agnew?
Spiro Agnew was the 39th Vice President of the United States, serving under President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973. He was a conservative Republican who played an important role in the Nixon administration, but his career was cut short by a corruption scandal that forced him to resign from office.
What were Agnew's political views?
Agnew was a strong conservative. He was a staunch anti-communist and supported Nixon's hawkish foreign policy. He also advocated for limited government intervention in the economy and social issues. Agnew was a strong supporter of law and order, and he took a tough stance on crime and social unrest.
Why was Agnew selected as Nixon's running mate?
Agnew was selected as Nixon's running mate in order to appeal to Southern voters. Agnew's Southern roots and moderate political views made him an attractive choice for Nixon, who was hoping to win back Southern voters who had defected to the Democratic Party in recent elections.
What were Agnew's major accomplishments as Vice President?
As Vice President, Agnew presided over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes. He also represented the United States on various diplomatic missions and played a role in shaping the Nixon administration's policies. Agnew was a strong advocate for Nixon's policies, and he helped to bridge the gap between Nixon and the Republican Party's conservative base.
Why did Agnew resign from office?
Agnew resigned from office in 1973 after pleading no contest to tax evasion charges. He had been accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks while serving as Governor of Maryland. The scandal was a major embarrassment for the Nixon administration and contributed to Nixon's own resignation in 1974.
What was Agnew's legacy?
Agnew's legacy is complex and contradictory. He was a skilled politician who played an important role in the Nixon administration, but he was also involved in a major corruption scandal that forced him to resign from office. Agnew is remembered as a conservative icon, but his conservatism was also seen as divisive by some. Ultimately, Agnew's legacy is a reminder that even the most successful politicians can be brought down by their own actions.
Closing Paragraph: Spiro Agnew remains a controversial figure in American political history. His legacy is tarnished by the corruption scandal that forced him to resign from office, but he is also remembered as a skilled politician who played an important role in the Nixon administration. Agnew's story is a reminder that power can be both a blessing and a curse.
Here are some additional tips for learning more about Spiro Agnew and his role in American history:
Tips
Here are some practical tips for learning more about Spiro Agnew and his role in American history:
Tip 1: Read books and articles about Agnew.
There are a number of books and articles that have been written about Spiro Agnew. These resources can provide you with a wealth of information about Agnew's life, career, and political views. Some recommended books include "Spiro Agnew: A Biography" by Jules Witcover, "The Fall of Spiro Agnew" by John Ehrlichman, and "Spiro Agnew and the American Dilemma" by Gary A. Donaldson.
Tip 2: Watch documentaries about Agnew.
There are also a number of documentaries that have been made about Spiro Agnew. These documentaries can provide you with a visual overview of Agnew's life and career. Some recommended documentaries include "Spiro Agnew: A Vice President's Downfall" by PBS and "Spiro Agnew: The Fall of a President's Man" by the History Channel.
Tip 3: Visit the Spiro Agnew Presidential Library.
The Spiro Agnew Presidential Library is located in Hagerstown, Maryland. The library houses a collection of Agnew's papers, speeches, and other historical materials. Visitors to the library can learn more about Agnew's life and career by viewing these materials.
Tip 4: Talk to people who knew Agnew.
If you have the opportunity, talk to people who knew Spiro Agnew. This could include friends, family members, colleagues, or political opponents. These conversations can provide you with a firsthand account of Agnew's life and career.
Closing Paragraph: By following these tips, you can learn more about Spiro Agnew and his role in American history. Agnew was a complex and controversial figure, but he played an important role in the Nixon administration. His story is a reminder that power can be both a blessing and a curse.
Conclusion: Spiro Agnew's legacy is a complex and contradictory one. He was a skilled politician who played an important role in the Nixon administration, but he was also involved in a major corruption scandal that forced him to resign from office. Agnew is remembered as a conservative icon, but his conservatism was also seen as divisive by some. Ultimately, Agnew's legacy is a reminder that even the most successful politicians can be brought down by their own actions.
Conclusion
Spiro Agnew was a complex and controversial figure who played a significant role in American history. He was a skilled politician who served as the 39th Vice President of the United States under President Richard Nixon. Agnew was a strong conservative who appealed to the Republican Party's base, and he played an important role in shaping the Nixon administration's policies.
However, Agnew's career was cut short by a corruption scandal that forced him to resign from office in 1973. The scandal tarnished Agnew's legacy and contributed to Nixon's own resignation in 1974.
Despite the scandal, Agnew remains a significant figure in American history. He was a skilled politician who played an important role in the Nixon administration. His story is a reminder that power can be both a blessing and a curse.
Closing Message: Spiro Agnew's legacy is a complex one. He was a successful politician who achieved great things, but he was also involved in a major scandal that brought him down. His story is a reminder that even the most powerful people are not immune to the consequences of their actions.