Detailed Study Notes on Nixon's Presidency and Watergate Scandal

Richard Milhouse Nixon was the only president in U.S. history to resign from the presidency.
Faced near-impeachment due to his actions while in office.
- Nixon's party (Republicans) indicated they would side with Democrats in the impeachment vote, showing the depth of his unpopularity.

Nixon's popularity fluctuated throughout his presidency, primarily measured by public polls.
Initial public approval was at 60% during his honeymoon phase after being elected.
Poll ratings dropped to 40% due to various factors, including the Watergate scandal.
Nixon attempted to boost his popularity through significant announcements, such as establishing relations with China and easing tensions with the USSR.

Watergate is the primary scandal that brought about Nixon's downfall.
It began after his election when a break-in occurred at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex.
Initial investigations revealed attempts to cover up the involvement of Nixon's campaign in the burglary.

Nixon was born in California, attending Whittier College.
- Grew up in a modest background, which shaped his political persona.
Nicknamed "Tricky Dick" for his deceptive campaign strategies, including attacks on opponents’ character without evidence.
- Gained popularity after accusing Alger Hiss of being a communist.
Became the Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower after successfully defeating Helen Gahagan Douglas in the California Senate race.

Nixon ran for governor of California in 1962, claiming to be done with politics after losing.
Returned to run for president in 1968 and won, defeating the Democratic nominee Hubert Humphrey.
Used Southern Strategy to gain support from Southern states, appealing to voters who favored segregation.
- He slowed desegregation processes under the guise of maintaining local schooling standards.

Nixon faced stagflation during his presidency, a combination of stagnation and inflation.
- Inflation rates increased while wages remained unchanged, diminishing purchasing power.
Caused in part by rising oil prices, particularly influenced by OPEC's oil embargo related to U.S. support for Israel during wars.

Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Passed significant laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act in response to environmental crises, including pollution incidents such as the Cuyahoga River fire.
Pushed for fuel efficiency standards for automobiles.

Nixon excelled in foreign policy by easing tensions with major rivals during the Cold War.
- Introduced the concept of détente to reduce hostilities, particularly with China and the Soviet Union.
Engaged in "ping pong diplomacy" which led to normalization of relations with China, meeting with Mao Zedong.
- The U.S. played notable sports events in China, indirectly leading to diplomatic discussions.
Established the SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) agreement with the Soviet Union to limit nuclear arms development.

The scandal began with the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
- The burglars were connected to Nixon's re-election campaign (CREEP).
Investigations revealed Nixon's involvement in covering up the break-in and subsequent FBI investigations.

Nixon asserted executive privilege, attempting to protect his recorded conversations in the White House.
The Supreme Court mandated Nixon to surrender the tapes, which revealed his obstruction of justice efforts.
Faced impeachment charges for abuse of power, contempt of Congress, and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
- As a result of undeniable evidence, Nixon resigned from office on August 8, 1974.

Gerald Ford succeeded Nixon and controversially pardoned him, which affected Ford's popularity.
Nixon later re-entered public life, conducting interviews where he defended his actions and expressed that he was not a crook.
The term "Deep Throat" became synonymous with the anonymous source who provided information to reporters in the Watergate investigation.
The Watergate scandal had lasting impacts on public perception of government and politics in the U.S.