Gerald Ford

Real World Example

Gerald Ford became the 38th president of the United States in 1974 after Richard Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal, a major political crisis. Ford's most important action was pardoning Nixon, which was controversial but intended to help the nation heal and move forward. This decision mattered at the time because it aimed to restore trust in government during the Crisis in Confidence period (1968-1980), when many Americans felt disillusioned with their leaders. Today, Ford's legacy of attempting to unite a divided nation can inspire people facing political or personal conflicts to prioritize healing and reconciliation. For example, in schools, students might learn about Ford's emphasis on forgiveness and apply it to resolving disputes with peers, promoting a more understanding community.