Watergate
Watergate: The Scandal That Brought Down a Presidency
A break-in, a cover-up, and a historic resignation
The Break-In at the DNC
On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex. They were found with surveillance equipment and cash tied to President Nixon's re-election campaign. Though initially downplayed, the incident sparked a wave of investigations.
The White House Cover-Up
The Nixon administration attempted to cover up its connection to the burglars. Secret tapes revealed that Nixon had discussed obstructing the FBI investigation, which became the smoking gun. Several officials resigned or were indicted as evidence mounted against the president.
Follow the Money
Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein relentlessly pursued the story. With the help of a secret informant known as "Deep Throat," they uncovered a trail of corruption that reached the highest levels of government. Their reporting was instrumental in shifting public opinion.
A Historic Resignation
Facing near-certain impeachment, Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to resign from office on August 8, 1974. Vice President Gerald Ford was sworn in the next day and later issued Nixon a full pardon, a decision that remains controversial.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Watergate permanently altered Americans' trust in government. The suffix "-gate" has since been used to label other scandals, and the role of investigative journalism was forever elevated. The case also led to major reforms in campaign finance and government transparency.
