Watergate Scandal

President Nixon

Period: Jun 8, 1960 to Aug 9, 1974

Vice President Nixon nominated for president

Jul 28, 1960

In Chicago, Illinois Vice President Nixon was nominated to run for president with Henry Cabot Lodge as his Vice President. Nixon, who was Dwight D. Eisenhower's running mate, had been elected Vice President in 1952.

John F. Kennedy is elected

Nov 8, 1960

Nixon was defeated by Kennedy during his first attempt at running for office.

Nixon receives Republican Nomination for President

Aug 8, 1968

Nixon wins election

Nov 8, 1968

Nixon defeats Hubert H. Humphrey and George C. Wallace to become the next President.

Nixon's Inauguration

Jan 21, 1969

Nixon becomes the 37th President of the United States.

New York Times Publishes Pentagon Papers

Jun 13, 1971

Secret information about the Vietnam War from within the Defense Department is leaked by the press.

Plumbers take action

Sep 3, 1971

The White House ordered men to enter the office of the psychiatrist of Daniel Ellsberg. This man had given the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times. The office was torn apart in attempt to discover the files on Ellsberg.

Watergate Arrest

Jun 17, 1972

Five men attempted to bug the offices of the Democratic National committee at Watergate hotel and office complex. They were caught at 2:30 in the morning and were arrested.

Scandal is linked to campaigning

Oct 10, 1972

The FBI discovers that this act of breaking in was a direct result of the spying and sabotage of campaigns which had previously occurred. These actions were a part of the Nixon reelection effort.

Nixon is re-elected

Nov 7, 1972

Nixon defeated the Democratic candidate, George McGovern, by winning over 60% of the vote. This was one of the most lopsided elections in American history.

Former Nixon aides are convicted

Jan 30, 1973

G. Gordon Liddy and James W. McCord Jr. are convicted of being involved in the Watergate scandal and taking part in the following actions: conspiracy, burglary and wiretapping.

Nationally Televised Hearings Begin

May 18, 1973

Elliot Richardson taps former solicitor general Archibald Cox as the Justice Department's special prosecutor for Watergate. Richardson was the Attorney General at this time.

Nixon's Recording of White House Conversations is Exposed

Jul 13, 1973

Alexander Butterfield reveals that Nixon has been recording telephone calls as well as all conversations within the office. This action has occurred since 1971.

Nixon Stops Taping

Jul 18, 1973

The White House Taping system is reportedly disconnected.

Nixon's Refusal to Turn the Tapes Over

Jul 23, 1973

Neither the Senate Watergate Committee or special prosecuter receive Nixon's tapes upon request.

Saturday Night Massacre

Oct 20, 1973

Archibald Cox is fired by Nixon and the special prosecuter's office is abolished. Nixon's attorneys resign and Congress moves towards the impeachment of Nixon.

Supreme Court Insists On Receiving Tapes

Jul 24, 1974

It is ruled unanimously by the Supreme Court that Nixon must give them the 64 tapes of White House conversations.

Nixon Charged with Obstruction of Justice

Jul 27, 1974

The first article of impeachment is passed by the House Judiciary Committee.

President Nixon Resigns

Aug 8, 1974

President Richard Nixon becomes the first president in U.S. History to resign from his position. Nixon will be parted of all charges by Gerald R. Ford who became America's next president.