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Explore the presidency of Richard Nixon, from his election in 1968 to the Watergate scandal and his ultimate resignation from office. Learn about his foreign policy initiatives and the significant visits to China and the Soviet Union. Discover the impact of the Watergate scandal and its consequences for Nixon's presidency.
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Richard Nixon and Watergate U.S. History
Richard Nixon and Watergate • Nixon elected in 1968 – ushers in a new era of politics (begins modern conservative movement) • Distribute federal power to state and local governments • Attempts to continue shift of conservative Democrats in south to Republican party • Foreign Policy – realpolitik; only worry about those countries that are strong and pose a threat
Richard Nixon and Watergate • Nixon’s Visit to China • Symbolic – Communist China and Democratic U.S. • Meant to cause a rift between China and Soviets • Huge for American people – trade increases, new diplomacy • Nixon’s Visit to Soviet Union • SALT I Treaty – Strategic Arms Limitation Talks; five year treaty between Soviet Union and U.S. to limit number of intercontinental ballistic missiles
Richard Nixon and Watergate • Watergate Scandal • President Nixon getting ready for election of 1972 • 1968 election had been closer than Republicans had expected • Republican Party officials found in Democratic National Party Headquarters at Watergate office complex • Officials had broken in to get information and files regarding Democratic Party’s plans • Nixon made matters worse by originally denied wrongdoing – “I AM NOT A CROOK!” • Eventually resigns from Office of the Presidency of the United States