The Watergate Scandal

The Watergate scandal remains one of the most notorious episodes in 20th century American history. As the scandal unfolded between July 1972 and August 1974, it revealed a pattern of corruption and illegal activity within the Nixon White House, all of which President Nixon knew of and approved. The Watergate scandal was such a transformative event in American politics that the suffix "-gate" is now attached to any political scandal.

The Watergate Scandal and the Nixon Administration

Members of the Nixon Administration worked with the Committee for the Re-Election of the President (CREEP) to attempt to break into the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee at the Watergate office complex. The burglars were arrested and quickly connected to lower officials at the Nixon White House. While there is some evidence that Nixon did not know beforehand of the break-in, he quickly ordered his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman, to have the CIA block the FBI's investigation.

The following are facts that you will want to put in any research paper that you wish to write on the Watergate Scandal:

• Investigations into the burglars led to a money trail coming from the Republican Party, specifically CREEP.
• Intensive media coverage by major newspapers, especially The Washington Post discovered White House involvement.
• Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were instrumental in bringing many truths to the public's attention.
• The Watergate scandal would culminate in the resignation of President Nixon in August 1974.