Gerald Ford was the first person to become vice president and president without being elected to either office. He became vice president on the nomination of President Richard Nixon in 1973 to replace vice president Spiro Agnew, who had resigned. Nine months later, in August 1974, Nixon resigned also, as a result of the Watergate scandal, and Ford became president. Seeking to end the long controversy over Watergate, Ford soon granted a pardon to Nixon for any crimes he might have committed as president. This action caused broad criticism and damaged Ford's political future. During, the next two years, his administration passed a bill reducing income taxes, but struggled with high unemployment and inflation. Ford announced he would run for re-election in 1975, but faced a strong challenge from conservative Ronald Reagan for the Republican nomination. Ford defeated Reagan, but with his party divided, he lost the general election to Democrat Jimmy Carter. Includes color illustrations, a timeline, boxed features on events and people of special interest, and lively text introducing the featured president and the times in which he lived.

Growing up secure -- Young Mr. Ford -- A career in Congress -- A higher calling -- President Ford -- After Washington.