The Impact of Richard Nixon's Troubled Childhood on His Presidency

Richard Nixon’s troublesome childhood helped shape him into the hardworking man he grew up to be. He was born in Yorba Linda, California, along with his three brothers, two of which died during his childhood. After Nixon’s father’s farm failed, his family moved to Whittier, California (“Richard Nixon Biography”). In their new hometown, the family owned a grocery store in which Nixon spent hours earning money for his future college education. Nixon dedicated himself to his job at the store; he would wake up at 4 a.m. to drive to Los Angeles to buy produce and worked sixteen hour days (Freidel 245). Nixon also grew up with an abusive father and controlling mother, so he found peace in the workplace. His parents’ harsh treatment towards him sparked his motivation to succeed and be the best he could be. Nixon’s self-determination landed him a spot at Whittier College where he surpassed as a student and debator. He was president of his freshman class and president of the student body as a senior. Nixon’s hard work at Whittier College won him a scholarship to Duke University Law School where he discovered his love for politics (“Richard Nixon Biography”). Nixon’s strenuous youth and involvement in his college kindled his drive to succeed.

Nixon withheld many high standing positions leading up to his presidency. After Nixon graduated from Law School, he worked as a lawyer for six months in Washington for the Office of Price Administration. As a result, he was permanently intrigued in improving the efficiency of America’s bureaucracy and our nation as a whole. Following his work as a lawyer, he fought in the Navy in the South Pacific. He soon rose to the rank of lieutenant commander, receiving two battle stars and commendations. Immediately after serving in the Navy, he returned to California and was elected for Congress. Once Nixon was elected, he became well-known for being concerned with the security of America, abroad and at home. He also fought a hard campaign and was elected as Senator in 1950. During his term as Senator, he appeared at countless Republican events within the country in order to unite and strengthen the Republican party. His strong-willed reputation assisted his nomination for Vice President of Dwight D Eisenhower in 1953. As vice president he filled in for Eisenhower three times while he was ill. Succeeding his role as vice president, he was nominated for president and lost to JFK in 1960. His determination provoked his decision to run for president two years later. Nixon won in all the state primaries he entered and emerged as victor with 43.5% of the popular vote (Freidal 247-251).

Nixon carried out numerous good deeds as president in order to improve the United States. He strived for reforms in healthcare, environmental issues, welfare, and civils rights (Hoff). One of Nixon’s greatest achievements was establishing the EPA, or Environmental Protection Act. The EPa is a 27-point act intended to improve water treatment facilities, reduce pollution, impose standards of air and water quality, and minimize the amount of waste dumped into bodies of water (The Origins of EPA”). Nixon also initiated Project Independence during the 1973 oil crisis in acknowledgement to OPEC Oil Embargo. Project Independence ensured Americans would not have to rely on other countries for sources of energy (Robinson.)