Watergate scandal

The Break-In

• Date: June 17, 1972


• Location: Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters, Watergate complex, Washington, D.C.


• Perpetrators: Five men connected to Nixon’s re-election campaign (CRP/CREEP – Committee to Re-elect the President)


• Objective: Plant listening devices (wiretaps) and steal sensitive Democratic campaign materials

Discovery and Arrests

• Arrests: All five burglars were caught on-site; initial investigations linked them to the Nixon campaign.


• Media Coverage: The Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein played a key role in exposing connections to the White House.

Cover-Up

• Payment of hush money to burglars


• Attempted obstruction of FBI investigation


• Pressure on CIA and Justice Department to interfere with inquiries

Investigations and Hearings

• Senate Watergate Committee: Began hearings in May 1973, televised nationally, increasing public awareness.


• Nixon had installed a taping system in the Oval Office


• Tapes revealed discussions about covering up the break-in and misusing federal agencies

Nixon’s Resignation

• Date Announced: August 8, 1974


• Effective: August 9, 1974


• Significance: First U.S. president to resign; avoided likely impeachment