Watergate Scandal

Overview

• A series of interlocking political scandals involving the Nixon administration.
• Began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in the Watergate complex, Washington, D.C., on June 17, 1972.
• President Richard Nixon faced likely impeachment and became the only U.S. president to resign, on August 9, 1974.

Key Events and Figures

• Burglary at DNC Headquarters:
  • Five burglars arrested; four had CIA backgrounds, James W. McCord, Jr. was the security chief for the Committee to Re-elect the President (CREEP).
  • The break-in was reported by the Washington Post.
• Notable Figures:
  • Richard Nixon: U.S. President involved in the scandal.
  • Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein: Journalists who reported on the scandal.
  • Deep Throat: Anonymous source later revealed to be FBI deputy director W. Mark Felt.
  • John Mitchell, John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, E. Howard Hunt, G. Gordon Liddy: Part of the Nixon administration involved in the scandal.
  • Gerald Ford: Succeeded Nixon as President and pardoned him.

Political and Media Response

• The White House conducted a successful public relations campaign to downplay the scandal.
  • Claimed no involvement by Nixon or the reelection committee.
  • Destruction of evidence and creating alibis for the conspirators.
• Media Coverage:
  • The Washington Post continued to investigate, revealing extensive political spying and sabotage.
  • CBS attempted to broadcast a detailed report but was curtailed after pressure from the White House.

Investigation and Revelation

• The FBI was ordered to limit its investigation, which was later revealed through the Nixon tapes as evidence of a cover-up.
• The reporting by Woodward and Bernstein unveiled the depth of the scandal, including illegal campaign contributions and governmental misconduct.

Outcome and Legacy

• Nixon's resignation marked a significant political event, highlighting the importance of journalism in uncovering governmental corruption.
• Gerald Ford's subsequent pardon of Nixon was controversial.
• Widely considered a turning point in U.S. politics and journalism, influencing future political conduct and media practices.

Key Questions

• What was the Watergate scandal?
  • A political scandal involving break-ins and cover-ups by the Nixon administration.
• Who were the burglars?
  • Five individuals, including several with CIA ties and a security chief for CREEP.
• Who was Deep Throat?
  • W. Mark Felt, Sr., an FBI deputy director.
• What was Nixon's fate?
  • He resigned to avoid impeachment.
• Who pardoned Nixon?
  • President Gerald Ford.

Significance

• Demonstrated the power and responsibility of the press.
• Raised questions about presidential power and accountability.
• Led to increased public skepticism towards government officials.