DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2009.191
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/224
Date of Award
12-2009
Degree Name
MA in History
Department/Program
History
Advisor
Thomas Trice
Abstract
This thesis is an analysis of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and the impact it held on the role of Congress and the President in entering war. More specifically, this thesis takes a look at President Richard M. Nixon’s influence on the 93rd Congress’s decision to pass the War Powers Resolution after multiple failed attempts at similar legislation. Through a major domestic policy blunder, the Watergate break-in, and a foreign policy disaster, the on-going war in Vietnam, opposition to Nixon’s presidential conduct united both the House and the Senate and resulted in legislation that would attempt to restore the Constitutional balance of power.