The Watergate scandal was a major political scandal in the United States involving the administration of President Richard Nixon between 1972 and 1974
. The scandal began with a bungled burglary at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in the Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C. on June 17, 1972
. The burglars were caught, and their connections to the White House were exposed, leading to a series of investigations and revelations
. Key events and consequences of the Watergate scandal include:
- The Burglary : The Watergate Complex security guard, Frank Wills, noticed tape covering the latches on some doors, which had been retaped after the initial burglary. He called the police, leading to the arrest of the burglars
- The Cover-Up : The White House attempted to cover up its involvement in the scandal. In a meeting on March 22, 1973, in the Oval Office, the White House counsel, John Dean, was told by the president to say that no one in the White House was involved. Dean later became a key figure in the scandal, known as "Deep Throat"
- Investigations and Convictions : The FBI and other law enforcement agencies investigated the scandal, leading to convictions of several individuals involved, including the burglars, G. Gordon Liddy, and James McCord
- Political Impact : The Watergate scandal led to significant changes in campaign finance reform and a more aggressive attitude by the media. It also had a lasting impact on American politics, with the term "Watergate" becoming synonymous with political crime and corruption
- Resignation of President Nixon : Facing likely impeachment for his role in covering up the scandal, President Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, becoming the only U.S. president to do so
