The June 17, 1972 arrest of five men who broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Washington D.C. Watergate complex led to a series of political scandals culminating in the resignation of President Richard Nixon in August 1974.watergate.info:Brief Timeline of Events
Significance
Investigations into the break-in eventually revealed the secretive surveillance activities of the Nixon administration. After the release of the Pentagon Papers, detailing governmental strategies and cover-ups concerning the War in Vietnam, Nixon became concerned with preventing leaks of classified information to the press. In response, he set up a unit of so-called "plumbers," working out of The White House, and paid through a campaign slush fund. A number of these plumbers would eventually be convicted for participating in political sabotage, and some served jail time.
The Watergate Tapes
Much of the Congressional investigation into Watergate concerned a series of secret tapes made by Nixon of White House conversations. The most incriminating tape, known as the "smoking gun" tape, features Nixon asking aides to suggest that the CIA Director halt the FBI's investigation into the Watergate break-in on national security grounds. Another tape famously features an 18 1/2 minute gap of unknown purpose or origin.
Nixon Resigns
After resigning from the Presidency, Nixon himself was pardoned by his successor, Gerald Ford.watergate.info:Brief Timeline of Events Though he conceded to making errors of judgment that led to his downfall, Nixon never admitted to any genuine wrong-doing or illegal activities on his own part.
Watergate Break-In Timeline
Nov 1968: Richard Nixon defeats Hubert Humphrey
Sep 1971: The White House "plumbers" burglarize a psychiatrist's office to find files on Daniel Ellsberg
Jun 1972: Five men arrested while trying to bug the offices of the Democratic National Committee
Aug 1972: $25,000 check, earmarked for Nixon campaign, in bank account of Watergate burglar
Nov 1972: Nixon reelected
Jan 1973: Nixon aides Liddy and McCord convicted of conspiracy, burglary, wiretapping
Apr 1973: Resignation of Haldeman, Ehrlichman and Kleindienst; John Dean is fired
May 1973: Senate Watergate committee begins televised hearings
Jun 1973: Dean tells investigators that he discussed Watergate cover-up with Nixon 35 times
Jun 1973: Memo addressed to Ehrlichman surfaces with plans to burglarize Ellsburg's office
Jul 1973: Nixon refuses to turn over the presidential tape recordings
Oct 1973: Saturday Night Massacre
Nov 1973: Nixon: "I'm not a crook"
Jul 1974: House Judiciary Committee passes the first of three articles of impeachment
Aug 1974: Nixon resigns; Gerald Ford assumes presidency
Watergate Break-In in Popular Culture
YouTube Video: All the President's Men Clip (Time: 1:31)
YouTube Video: Dick Trailer (Time: 2:32)
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References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Richard Nixon denied having anything to do with the break-in
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Fact:
He was found to be involved in its cover-up
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Fact:
Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein unraveled the scandalWashington Post: Revisiting Watergate
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Fact:
A main source for the two reporters was known as Deep Throat
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Fact:
The House of Representatives moved to impeach Nixon
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Fact:
He resigned on August 8, 1974, insisting he had never broken the lawwatergate.info:Brief Timeline of Events
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Fact:
Nixon was the first U.S. President to resign
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Fact:
Gerald Ford became America's 38th President, the only President never elected to any office higher than the US Congress
