Richard Nixon: Biography, Presidency, Watergate, Impeachment, Resignation, & Facts

Early Life and Political Beginnings

• Born January 9, 1913, in Yorba Linda, California.
• Second of five children, strong Quaker influence from his mother.
• Education: Graduated from Whittier College (1934) and Duke University Law School (1937).
• Early Career: Practiced law in California, married Pat Nixon in 1940.
• World War II: Served as an aviation ground officer in the Navy, rising to lieutenant commander.

Congressional Career

• Elected to U.S. House of Representatives in 1946, defeating Jerry Voorhis.
• Active in HUAC, leading the investigation of Alger Hiss accused of espionage.

Vice Presidency

• Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961).
• Known for the Checkers speech, which saved his political career amid accusations of maintaining a slush fund.
• Played significant roles during Eisenhower's health crises.

1960 Presidential Election

• Lost narrowly to John F. Kennedy.
• The election was marked by the first televised debates.
• Post-election, Nixon chose not to contest the election results despite alleged vote fraud.

Presidential Election of 1968

• Nixon ran on a platform promising an honorable peace in Vietnam and domestic law and order.
• Narrowly won the presidency against Hubert Humphrey and George Wallace.

Presidency (1969-1974)

Domestic Policies

• Created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Proposed the Family Assistance Program, aimed at providing a guaranteed annual income.
• Promoted affirmative action and improved civil rights initiatives.
• Managed economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, through various policies.

Foreign Affairs

• Vietnam War: Sought to establish peace and stability, eventually leading to the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
• China and Soviet Union: Initiated diplomatic relations with China and engaged in Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the Soviet Union.

Watergate Scandal

• Involved in the cover-up of a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
• Supreme Court ordered Nixon to release Oval Office tapes, leading to evidence of his involvement.
• Faced almost certain impeachment, leading to his resignation on August 9, 1974.

Post-Presidency and Death

• Succeeded by Gerald Ford, who pardoned him for any offenses.
• Nixon passed away on April 22, 1994, in New York at the age of 81.

Legacy

• Nixon's presidency is remembered for its foreign policy achievements and domestic reforms, overshadowed by the Watergate scandal.