Watergate Scandal: 1972

• What does the Watergate Scandal refer to?

  A major political scandal in the US
• When did the Watergate Scandal occur?

  1972-1974
• Where did the Watergate break-in take place?

  Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.
• Who was connected to the Watergate break-in?

  Burglars linked to Nixon's administration
• What are the key aspects of the Watergate Scandal?

  • Break-in at Watergate: Five men broke in
  • White House Involvement: Linked to Nixon's administration
  • Cover-up: Nixon tried to hide connections
  • Consequences: Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment
• What event triggered the Watergate Scandal?

  The break-in at the Watergate Hotel
• What was the Pentagon Papers leak?

  Leaked documents about the Vietnam War
• What was the purpose of the "White House Plumbers"?

  To stop leaks and gather dirt on opponents
• What happened during the break-in at the Watergate Hotel?

  Five men were arrested breaking in
• How was CREEP involved in the Watergate Scandal?

  CREEP was funded by White House officials
• What were the key events leading to the Watergate break-in?

  • Pentagon Papers Leak (1971): Published by The New York Times
  • Creation of "White House Plumbers": Secret team to stop leaks
  • Break-in at Watergate Hotel (1972): Arrest of five men
• What did the White House Plumbers do?

  Conducted the break-in at Watergate
• What were the roles of the White House and CREEP in the Watergate scandal?

  • White House: Directed CREEP’s activities
  • CREEP: Funded and supported the Plumbers
  • White House Plumbers: Conducted the break-in
• What investigations followed the Watergate break-in?

  FBI and Select Committee investigations
• What did the FBI investigation uncover?

  Links between burglars and CREEP
• What was the significance of James McCord's letter?

  Claimed White House directed burglars to lie
• What was Nixon's response to the allegations?

  Denied knowledge and announced new investigation
• What did the Select Committee reveal about Nixon's office?

  All conversations and calls were recorded
• What was the impact of the Nixon tapes?

  Showed Nixon's involvement in the cover-up
• What were the key factors leading to Nixon's resignation?

  • Smoking Gun Tape: Stopped FBI investigation
  • Obstruction of Justice: Involvement in cover-up
  • Impeachment Looming: Congress preparing to impeach
  • Loss of Support: Republicans withdrew support
• Who issued the Presidential Pardon to Nixon?

  Gerald Ford
• What was the purpose of Nixon's Presidential Pardon?

  To heal the nation and avoid trial
• What was the public reaction to Nixon's pardon?

  Highly critical, felt justice was not served
• What were the political consequences of Ford's decision to pardon Nixon?

  • Cost Ford popularity
  • Contributed to his defeat in 1976 election
• What was the impact of the Watergate Scandal on Nixon's career and reputation?

  • Public Perception: Respected to "Tricky Dicky"
  • Career: Forced to resign, end of political career
  • Reputation: Ranked among worst US Presidents
• How did Watergate affect public trust in government?

  Led to a loss of trust and disillusionment
• What new laws were created as a result of Watergate?

  • House and Senate Open Meeting Rules: Ensure transparency
  • War Powers Act: Limit presidential war powers
  • Election Campaign Act: Regulate campaign spending
  • Freedom of Information Act: Access to government documents
  • Privacy Act: Control on information collection
  • Congressional Budget Control Act: Manage government spending