How did President Nixon React to the Watergate Investigation?
The Watergate scandal, which unfolded in the early 1970s, was a major political crisis that shook the United States. It began with the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington D.C. on June 17, 1972. The investigation that followed led to the discovery of a massive cover-up involving high-ranking officials in the Nixon administration.
Initial Denial
When the Watergate scandal first broke, President Nixon and his administration initially denied any involvement. Nixon’s first public statement on the matter was on June 23, 1972, when he told the press that he had not been involved in the break-in and that he did not know who was responsible. This denial was repeated by other high-ranking officials, including Attorney General John Mitchell and White House Press Secretary Ron Ziegler.
Obstruction of Justice
As the investigation continued, it became clear that the Nixon administration was involved in a cover-up. The White House was found to have been involved in a systematic effort to obstruct justice, including the destruction of evidence, intimidation of witnesses, and the use of illegal methods to gather information. Despite this, Nixon continued to deny any wrongdoing, claiming that he was not aware of the activities of his subordinates.
The Smoking Gun
On July 23, 1973, the "smoking gun" tape was released, which revealed that Nixon had been involved in the cover-up. The tape was a recording of a conversation between Nixon and his chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman, in which Nixon discussed the use of illegal methods to gather information about the Democratic Party. This tape was the final piece of evidence needed to prove that Nixon was involved in the Watergate scandal.
Impeachment Proceedings
In October 1973, the House Judiciary Committee began impeachment proceedings against Nixon. The committee voted to recommend articles of impeachment on July 27, 1974, charging Nixon with obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. The full House of Representatives voted on the articles of impeachment on July 28, 1974, and Nixon became the first U.S. President to be impeached.
Resignation
On August 5, 1974, Nixon announced that he would resign from office, effective at noon on August 9, 1974. This was the first time a U.S. President had resigned from office. In his resignation speech, Nixon acknowledged that he had made mistakes and that he had been wrong to try to cover up the Watergate scandal.
Aftermath
The Watergate scandal had a profound impact on the United States. It led to a decline in public trust in government and a shift in the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. The scandal also led to a number of reforms, including the creation of the Federal Election Commission and the passage of the Ethics in Government Act.
Key Dates
- June 17, 1972: The break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington D.C.
- June 23, 1972: Nixon’s first public statement on the Watergate scandal
- July 23, 1973: The "smoking gun" tape is released
- October 1973: The House Judiciary Committee begins impeachment proceedings against Nixon
- July 27, 1974: The House Judiciary Committee votes to recommend articles of impeachment against Nixon
- July 28, 1974: The full House of Representatives votes on the articles of impeachment against Nixon
- August 5, 1974: Nixon announces that he will resign from office
- August 9, 1974: Nixon resigns from office
Key Players
- Richard Nixon: The 37th President of the United States, who was involved in the Watergate scandal and became the first U.S. President to be impeached.
- H.R. Haldeman: Nixon’s chief of staff, who was involved in the Watergate scandal and was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury.
- John Mitchell: Nixon’s Attorney General, who was involved in the Watergate scandal and was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury.
- Ron Ziegler: Nixon’s White House Press Secretary, who was involved in the Watergate scandal and was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury.
Conclusion
The Watergate scandal was a major political crisis that shook the United States. President Nixon’s reaction to the investigation was marked by denial, obstruction of justice, and ultimately, resignation. The scandal had a profound impact on the United States, leading to a decline in public trust in government and a shift in the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
