DBQ 19 As of the 1970?s, the United States had been faced with economic and social turmoil., The Vietnam war, lasting from 1965-1975, was a controversial issue among many Americans. Most argued that it was not a war the US needed to be involved and ultimately wasted money and resources. Former President Nixon faced confrontation over the Watergate scandal as the economy under President Carter?s administration continued to decline. These conflicts created a mistrust between the national government and the American people. In 1980, Ronald Reagan is elected as presidents in hopes to improve the nation?s economy. The Reagan administration was overall effective in addressing the domestic and foreign affairs presented to them.