Gerald Ford

ModernPoliticianUnited States1913 — 2006

US president who succeeded Nixon and pardoned him.

Compare Gerald Ford with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1913

Died

2006

Country

United States

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)49

Political (20%)48

Influence (20%)54

Legacy (20%)45

Leadership (15%)68

Strategy (15%)41

Total Score51.2

Gerald Ford — Complete Timeline

1973 AD

Appointed Vice PresidentPolitical Action◆ Major

Ford was appointed Vice President under the 25th Amendment after Spiro Agnew's resignation. He became the first person to hold the office without being elected to it.

Vice PresidencyConstitutional

Impact: national

1974 AD

Assumed Presidency after Nixon's ResignationPolitical Action

Ford became President after Richard Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal. He stated, 'Our long national nightmare is over,' aiming to restore trust in government.

PresidencyWatergate

Impact: national

Pardoned Richard NixonPolitical Action

Ford granted a full pardon to Richard Nixon for any crimes committed during his presidency. The pardon was highly controversial and is widely believed to have cost Ford the 1976 election.

PardonWatergate

Impact: national

1976 AD

Lost 1976 Presidential ElectionPolitical Action◆ Major

Ford lost the 1976 presidential election to Jimmy Carter. The narrow defeat was attributed to the Nixon pardon and economic issues, ending his brief presidency.

ElectionDefeat

Impact: nationaldestructive