Watergate Scandal Overview

Introduction & Key Questions

• Watergate Scandal: A series of interconnected political scandals involving U.S. President Richard Nixon's administration.
• Key Events: Break-in at Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters on June 17, 1972, and subsequent cover-up.
• Key Figures: Richard Nixon, John Dean, John D. Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman, and Deep Throat (later revealed as FBI Deputy Director W. Mark Felt).

Burglary, Arrest, and Immediate Political Effects

• Break-In: Five burglars arrested at the DNC office in the Watergate complex.
  • Four had CIA backgrounds, one was James W. McCord, Jr., security chief for the Committee to Re-elect the President (CREEP).
• Initial Response: White House denied involvement; labeled as a "third-rate burglary."
• Cover-Up: Evidence destroyed, false alibis spread, and attempts made to suppress investigation.
• Media Involvement: Articles by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in the Washington Post began uncovering details.
• Deep Throat: Anonymous source providing crucial information to Woodward and Bernstein.

Watergate Trial and Aftermath

• Trial: Began before Nixon's second-term inauguration, with charges including burglary and wiretapping.
• Judge John J. Sirica: Pressured witnesses to reveal broader conspiracy; James McCord's letter exposed perjury pressures.
• Senate Investigation: Special committee led by Samuel J. Ervin, Jr., established to investigate abuses.
• Revelations: Led to resignations and televised hearings revealing systematic illegal activities.

The Ervin Hearings

• Televised Hearings: Dramatic, widely viewed sessions uncovering deep-seated corruption and illegal practices.
• Witnesses: Included young Nixon aides revealing ends-justify-means mentality.
• Impact: Public engagement and media coverage intensified; significant national interest.

Pardon and Aftermath

• Gerald Ford's Pardon: On September 8, 1974, Nixon received a full pardon for potential crimes.
• Nixon's Resignation: On August 9, 1974, Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment.
• Legacy: Scandal reshaped U.S. politics and journalism, highlighting issues of governmental power and accountability.

Key Outcomes

• Impeachment: Although Nixon was not impeached, the House Judiciary Committee passed articles of impeachment.
• Judicial Actions: Supreme Court ordered Nixon to release tapes, leading to his resignation.
• Public Perception and Media: Shifted views on political campaigns and media's role in governmental oversight.