U.S. Presidents

A Detailed Timeline of Richard Nixon’s Presidency

Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, served from January 20, 1969, to August 9, 1974. His presidency was characterized by significant domestic and foreign policy achievements, but it was ultimately overshadowed by the Watergate scandal, which led to his resignation. This article provides a detailed timeline of Nixon’s presidency, highlighting key events and milestones.

Early Presidency and Domestic Policy: 1969-1971

  • January 20, 1969: Richard Nixon is inaugurated as the 37th President of the United States. His inaugural address emphasizes his commitment to achieving “peace with honor” in Vietnam, ending the divisiveness of the 1960s, and restoring confidence in government.
  • February 17, 1969: Nixon delivers his first major foreign policy speech, outlining his strategy for achieving peace in Vietnam. He introduces the concept of “Vietnamization,” aiming to gradually transfer combat responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces while reducing U.S. troop levels.
  • July 20, 1969: Apollo 11 successfully lands the first humans on the Moon. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first humans to walk on the lunar surface. Nixon’s administration celebrates this historic achievement as a significant milestone in space exploration and technological progress.
  • October 15, 1969: Nixon addresses the nation regarding the ongoing Vietnam War, reinforcing his policy of “Vietnamization” and outlining progress made in reducing American troop involvement. The speech reflects his administration’s efforts to manage public opinion and maintain support for the war effort.
  • December 15, 1969: The Nixon administration announces the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is created to address growing environmental concerns and implement federal regulations aimed at protecting natural resources and public health.

Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Achievements: 1972

  • February 21-28, 1972: Nixon makes a historic visit to China, meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. The visit marks the beginning of a new era in U.S.-China relations and is a significant diplomatic achievement, signaling a thaw in relations between the two countries.
  • May 26, 1972: Nixon and Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev sign the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I) in Moscow. The treaty represents a significant step in U.S.-Soviet arms control efforts, limiting the deployment of nuclear missiles and reducing the risk of nuclear conflict.
  • June 17, 1972: Five men are arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. The break-in is later linked to the Nixon administration, initiating a series of events that lead to the Watergate scandal.

Watergate Scandal and Political Fallout: 1973-1974

  • January 30, 1973: The Nixon administration announces the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, which formally end U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The accords are seen as a major foreign policy accomplishment but do not completely resolve the conflict in Vietnam.
  • March 23, 1973: The Watergate scandal begins to unfold as revelations of the Nixon administration’s involvement in the break-in and subsequent cover-up emerge. Senate hearings and investigations reveal widespread abuses of power and misconduct by administration officials.
  • May 17, 1973: The Senate Watergate Committee begins televised hearings to investigate the Watergate scandal. The hearings captivate the nation and expose the extent of the cover-up, leading to growing demands for accountability.
  • July 16, 1973: White House aide Alexander Butterfield testifies before the Senate Watergate Committee, revealing the existence of a secret taping system that recorded conversations in the Oval Office. The revelation intensifies the investigation into Nixon’s role in the scandal.
  • August 5, 1974: The “smoking gun” tape is released, revealing Nixon’s direct involvement in the Watergate cover-up. The tape, recorded on June 23, 1972, shows Nixon discussing ways to obstruct the investigation, leading to increased pressure on him to resign.
  • August 8, 1974: Facing imminent impeachment and the threat of removal from office, Richard Nixon announces his resignation in a televised address. He becomes the first U.S. President to resign from office. Vice President Gerald Ford is sworn in as the 38th President of the United States the following day.
  • August 9, 1974: Richard Nixon formally resigns from the presidency, and Gerald Ford is inaugurated as President. Nixon’s resignation marks a dramatic and unprecedented conclusion to his presidency.

Post-Presidency and Legacy

  • September 8, 1974: President Gerald Ford grants Nixon a full pardon for any crimes he may have committed while in office. The pardon is controversial and faces criticism from many who believe it undermines accountability for the Watergate scandal.
  • 1977: Nixon publishes his memoir, RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon, reflecting on his presidency and the Watergate scandal. The memoir provides Nixon’s perspective on his time in office and his thoughts on various issues.
  • 1980s: Nixon engages in public speaking and writing, focusing on foreign policy and international affairs. He travels extensively and remains an influential figure in Republican circles.
  • April 22, 1994: Richard Nixon dies of a stroke at the age of 81. His death prompts reflections on his complex legacy, including his achievements in foreign policy and his role in the Watergate scandal.

Legacy and Impact

Richard Nixon’s presidency is marked by significant achievements and controversies:

  • Foreign Policy: Nixon’s initiatives, including his visits to China and the Soviet Union, reshaped U.S. foreign relations and contributed to détente during the Cold War. The SALT I treaty and improved relations with China are seen as major diplomatic successes.
  • Domestic Policy: Nixon’s administration established the EPA and made strides in environmental protection. His domestic policies also included efforts to address inflation and economic issues, though his presidency was overshadowed by the Watergate scandal.
  • Watergate Scandal: The Watergate scandal and Nixon’s resignation represent a pivotal moment in American political history. The scandal led to increased scrutiny of presidential power and contributed to lasting reforms in government accountability and transparency.
  • Public Perception: Nixon’s presidency is viewed with a mix of recognition for his foreign policy achievements and condemnation for the ethical and legal violations revealed during the Watergate scandal. His legacy remains a subject of debate and analysis.

Conclusion

Richard Nixon’s presidency was a period of significant achievements and profound challenges. His accomplishments in foreign policy, particularly his engagement with China and the Soviet Union, marked important milestones in U.S. diplomacy. However, the Watergate scandal and his subsequent resignation cast a long shadow over his presidency, leading to a reevaluation of presidential conduct and government accountability. Nixon’s complex legacy continues to influence discussions on American politics and governance.