Early Life
On July 14, 1913, in Omaha Nebraska, Leslie Lynch King Jr. Was born. As he grew older he went by the name Gerald Ford. Ford was the child of Dorothy Ayer Gardner Ford and Leslie Lynch King. He had two sisters(Patricia and Marjorie King) and four brothers (Thomas, James, Richard, and Leslie Henry King).
Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.
Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.
Schooling
Ford started his schooling at Madison Elementry School, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After Elementry school Ford attended Grand Rapids South High School, also in Michigan. From 1931-1935, Ford attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he majored in economics. He graduated with a B.A. in 1935. Ford financed his education with part-time jobs, a small scholarship from his high school, and modest family assistance. Also being a gifted athlete, Ford played on Michigan's National Championship football teams from 1932-1935. Ford had received offers from many professional teams, but instead chose a position as a boxing coach at Yale, hoping to attend law school there. Among there he coached future U.S. senators, Robert Taft Jr. and William Proxmire. Ford was admitted into Yales law school in spring 1938. He earned his LL.B degree in 1941, graduating in the top twenty-five percent. His introduction to politics came in the summer of 1940, when he worked in Wendell Wilkie's Presidential Campaign. In April 1942, Ford joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, receiving a commission as an ensign. After an orientation program in Annapolis, he became a physical fitness instructor at a pre-flight school in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Starting His Career
After college Ford married Elizabeth Ann Bloomer (Betty). Together they had four children. After graduating from Yales Law School, Ford went into politics. After Richard Nixons first term of presidency, Ford decided to run as his Vice President for his second term. Nixon won the election and so did Ford. Then in 1972 a scandal rocked his presidency. During the election campaign burglars had been caught trying to the Democratic Party offices at the Watergate Appartment Complex. Nixon had denied that it was his staff that had ordered the break in. After a senate committee had uncovered his staffs involvement, Nixon denied ordering a cover-up. Later the House of Representatives began the process of impeachment because of the Presidents abuse of his power. On August 9, 1974, Nixon resigned leaving Gerald Ford to succeed him.
"Epilogue." The American Journey. N.p.: Glencoe, n.d. 569. Print.
"Epilogue." The American Journey. N.p.: Glencoe, n.d. 569. Print.
Presidency
After PresidencyFord did not get reelected for a second term in office. His spot was taken over by James E. Carter Jr. Gerald Ford did not end his career in politics just yet, observers were shocked when they saw him in discussions with Ronald Reagan in 1980 about running for governor of California. Ford felt betrayed and angered when Reagan withdrew the offer. Ford later died on December 26, 2006.
"Miller Center." American President: Gerald Rudolph Ford: Life After the Presidency. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015 Political CartoonGerald Ford Quote"The political lesson of Watergate is this: Never again must America allow an arrogant, elite guard of adolescents to by-pass the regular party organization and dictate the terms of a national election"
"Gerald R. Ford Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2015. Website |
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