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Chapter 17 Section 2

Chapter 17 Section 2. Watergate Brings Down Nixon. 1972 Presidential Election. President Nixon (looking for reelection) vs. Democratic Sen. George McGovern Nixon won huge landslide victory In election – Nixon wanted to win BIG. Origins of Watergate.

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Chapter 17 Section 2

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  1. Chapter 17 Section 2 Watergate Brings Down Nixon

  2. 1972 Presidential Election • President Nixon (looking for reelection) vs. Democratic Sen. George McGovern • Nixon won huge landslide victory • In election – Nixon wanted to win BIG

  3. Origins of Watergate • Nixon hoped BIG 1972 win would ensure the Republicans would control Congress • To make sure of big victory – some people close to Nixon engaged in illegal activities Richard M. Nixon – 37th President of the United States

  4. Watergate Scandal • Everything started in June 1972 – five burglars were caught breaking into Democratic Headquarters at the Watergate office-apartment complex in Washington DC • Burglars were tied to Nixon’s reelection campaign (AKA CREEP – Committee to reelect the President) The “Watergate” is an office/apartment/hotel complex located in Washington D.C. It was also home to the headquarters of the Democratic Party offices

  5. Watergate Cover-up • Nixon likely didn’t order the break-in or even know about it • But – soon after, Nixon was heard discussing the best way to “cover up” any White House connection to the burglars • It seems that Nixon had now committed a crime (by discussing the cover-up)

  6. Watergate • Close advisors to Nixon warned him about situation • Nixon then agreed to pay “hush money” to the burglars to keep them quiet • White House aide John Dean then decided to tell everything he knew to the Senate committee investigating – which included Nixon’s involvement in the cover- up John Dean – in his White House office

  7. Dean’s Word vs. Nixon’s Word • Nixon continued to deny the charges against him • It was then discovered that Nixon had recorded all conversations in his office • A battle was fought over the tapes (who gets them?)

  8. More Trouble for Nixon • Vice President Spiro Agnew was revealed to have accepted bribes while governor of Maryland and as Vice President • This scandal was unrelated to Watergate, but still hurt Nixon politically • Nixon nominated Gerald Ford to become the new Vice President Vice President Spiro Agnew

  9. Nixon Resigns • Nixon was forced by a court order to release all of his tapes • After he released “edited transcripts” – the House of Representatives started impeachment hearings • Nixon decided to resign the presidency – making Gerald Ford the new president

  10. President Gerald Ford • Former Michigan Congressman and Vice President under Richard Nixon • Known for his honesty and hard-working attitude • Only person to serve as President who wasn’t elected either President or Vice President by the people Gerald Ford – 38th President of the United States

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