The Watergate Scandal Timeline and Nixon's Resignation
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The Presidency of Richard Nixon and the Watergate Scandal
Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett
Richard Nixon’s presidency is shrouded in both success and controversy. Having served in several political positions, Nixon was a ruthless politician who cared very much about his public image, which would be deeply affected by the Watergate Scandal that served as his political demise. With activities in this lesson plan, students will to go in depth into his presidency, policies, and his resignation.
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Storyboard Description
Watergate Scandal Timeline - Have students create a timeline of what will become known as the Watergate scandal. Students should highlight major events stemming from the breaking in of the Democratic National Convention headquarters, to Nixon’s eventual resignation as president. Students will be able to explain and analyze the major events surrounding the Watergate scandal as well as how it led to the eventual resignation of Nixon from the presidency in 1974, including the famous Nixon resignation speech. In addition, by outlining these major events, students will gain a better understanding as to how events unfolded in what will become the most damning scandal to a president in U.S. history.
Storyboard Text
- NIXON ELECTED PRESIDENT
- THE WATERGATE SCANDAL AND NIXON'S RESIGNATION
- In 1968, Richard Nixon was elected the 37th president of the United States. Hailing from California, Nixon was admired for his extensive career. The victory was much welcomed by Nixon, who had lost elections prior to this presidency.
- NIXON'S ENEMIES LIST
- NIXON'S POLITICAL ENEMIES LIST
- Through Nixon's close White House aides, an "Enemies List" was created to keep an eye on political and social opponents of Nixon and his administration. Although Nixon's awareness of the list is disputed, it highlighted Nixon's desire to hold, and keep, political power.
- "PLUMBERS" ASSIGNED TO "C.R.E.E.P."
- WATERGATE BREAK-IN
- Nixon's "Plumbers", E. Howard Hunt and Gordon Liddy, were assigned to the Committee to Re-elect the President, or "C.R.E.E.P." Frustrated by their lack of assignments, the Plumbers desired more work to aid Nixon. This potentially set in motion actions culminating with the Watergate break-in.
- At 2:30am on Jun 17, 1972, the Plumbers were arrested for breaking into and planting surveillance devices in the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. The hotel was serving as the Democratic National Committee's headquarters. Their goal was to retrieve incriminating evidence against their political opponents.
- NIXON REFUSES TO TURN IN EVIDENCE
- Nixon refused to turn over presidential recording tapes to the newly formed Senate Watergate Committee, who were investigating the scandal. Vice President Spiro Agnew soon resigned. Nixon later gave his famous "I am not a crook" speech, implying his innocence in the scandal.
- "SATURDAY NIGHT MASSACRE"
- HOUSE PASSES ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT
- Soon after refusing to turn in crucial presidential recordings, Nixon dismisses special prosecutor Archibald Cox, and oversaw the resignation of Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus. These dismissals, deemed the "Saturday Night Massacre", resulted from Cox's request for presidential tapes.
- NIXON RESIGNS THE PRESIDENCY
- Through the Supreme Court's decision in the United States vs. Richard Nixon, Nixon was ordered to give up his recorded tapes. Senate moved to impeach him, and eventually the House of Representatives passed articles of impeachment. A tape recorded before the break-in seriously implicated Nixon, and was considered the "smoking gun".
- On August 8, 1974, Nixon delivered his resignation speech. On August 9th, 1974, Nixon officially resigned from the presidency, and Gerald R. Ford was inaugurated as president. Ford later pardoned Nixon of all crimes.
Image Attributions
- Photograph of Speaker of the House of Representatives Carl Albert, President Richard Nixon, and Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, Prior to Delivery of July 4 Speeches Opening the Bicentennial Commemorations in the National Archives, 1971 - The U.S. National Archives - (License No known copyright restrictions )
- President Nixon with Dr. James Fletcher and Apollo 16 Astronauts - NASA on The Commons - (License No known copyright restrictions )
- Richard Nixon - tonynetone - (License Attribution )
- Supporters of Richard Nixon at the 1968 Republican National Convention: Miami Beach, Florida - State Library and Archives of Florida - (License No known copyright restrictions )
- Supreme Court of the United States - USCapitol - (License United States Government Work )
- Turkey presentation for Thanksgiving, 11/18/1969 - The U.S. National Archives - (License No known copyright restrictions )
- Watergate - brownpau - (License Attribution )
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