Modern American History Watergate Modern American History

The Election of 1972 Richard M. Nixon [R] George McGovern [D]

Roots of Watergate June 17th, 1972 – Break-in reported at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at Watergate. Considered a simple burglary until further investigation.

What Really Happened Nixon’s advisors ordered five staffers to break into the DNC headquarters and gather sensitive campaign information and place wire taps on the phones. Security guards notices tape holding the door latch.

Cover-Up “The White House has had no involvement whatever in this particular incident” President Richard Nixon Once media discovers that one burglar, James McCord was former CIA, conspiracy theory arises. White House begins destroying sensitive documents and giving false testimony. President Richard Nixon

Cover-Up Unravels “Maximum John” Sirica does not buy the “third-rate burglary” story Sirica presses McCord to cooperate with the investigation and testify. McCord’s testimony sparks more testimony Most importantly that of John Dean, counsel to the president. Judge John J. Sirica

Dean’s testimony implicates White House officials, including Nixon John Dean

The Case of the Tapes Committee learns of White House tapes recording all conversations. Nixon does not want to turn them over, defending it as a matter of national security. Saturday Night Massacre – Nixon pressures Attorney Generals to fire prosecutors asking for tapes. AGs step down

Despite 18 ½ min. gap, The Smoking Gun tapes implicate Nixon from the earliest days of the scandal.

Nixon Resigns July 27th, 1974 – House Judiciary Committee approves the articles of impeachment against President Nixon. August 9th, 1974 – Nixon officially resigns

38th President Gerald Ford -immediately pardons Nixon for any crimes committed in office