Deliverable Length: 23 Pages, Due Date: 07/20/2014, APA Styl

Deliverable Length23 Pagesdue Date 07202014apa Stylein 1972 There

Deliverable Length: 2–3 pages Due Date 07/20/2014 APA STYLE In 1972, there was a break-in at the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters in the Watergate Office Complex. Thus began a series of events that would shake the public’s confidence in its most visible symbol of American authority and prestige: the presidency. This is a Three part assignment: PART ONE: Discuss ONE of the following events surrounding the break-in: When did the break-in occur? How was Nixon connected to the break-in? Which top aides resigned and why? When Nixon resigned, who took over as President? PART TWO: The presence of a White House taping system was discovered. Discuss the events surrounding the discovery of the tapes and the issues involved in trying to get the tapes. What is the "18 1/2 minutes of silence"? PART THREE : Include ONE of the following personalities in your discussion and discuss their involvement (see list). You are to incorporate persons from part three , into your discussions of parts one and two. Richard M. Nixon and his resignation Gerald Ford’s pardoning of Richard Nixon (not connected with the break-in but important in the context) H. R. Haldeman John Ehrlichman Attorney General Richard Kleindienst Archibald Cox Howard Hunt Chuck Colson G. Gordon Liddy John Dean John Mitchell James McCord Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein Mark Felt Deep Throat

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Introduction

The Watergate scandal of 1972 remains one of the most significant political events in American history, fundamentally transforming public trust in government and demonstrating the powerful influence of investigative journalism and legal proceedings. This paper explores the Watergate break-in, the subsequent discovery of the White House taping system, and the involved personalities that shaped the course of events, with particular emphasis on President Richard Nixon's crucial role and the involvement of key aides and figures in the scandal.

The Watergate Break-in and Nixon's Connection

On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters located in the Watergate Office Complex in Washington, D.C. The burglars aimed to wiretap and gather intelligence to support President Nixon's reelection campaign. The initial investigation uncovered that the break-in was not an isolated incident, but part of a broader effort by members of Nixon’s reelection committee, known as CREEP (Committee to Re-elect the President).

President Richard Nixon's direct connection to the Watergate break-in was initially murky but gradually emerged through investigative journalism and congressional hearings. Nixon's administration attempted to cover up the administration's involvement, but evidence pointed to a conspiracy involving high-ranked officials. Nixon's aides, such as H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean, played pivotal roles in orchestrating the cover-up. These aides were compelled to resign after their involvement was exposed, acknowledging their attempts to conceal the administration's role in the break-in.

When the scandal deepened, the pressure on Nixon increased. As public outrage mounted, investigations moved to a federal level, revealing the extent of the cover-up. Ultimately, the mounting evidence made Nixon's position untenable, leading to his resignation on August 8, 1974. Vice President Gerald Ford assumed the presidency, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president resigned from office.

The Discovery of the White House Taping System and the "18 1/2 Minutes of Silence"

A crucial element that exposed the depth of Nixon’s involvement in Watergate was the White House taping system. Early in the investigation, it was discovered that Nixon had secretly recorded many conversations in the Oval Office. These recordings became central to the investigation, as they could potentially prove Nixon’s complicity or innocence.

The controversy intensified when the Justice Department, led by special prosecutor Archibald Cox, sought access to the tapes to establish facts of the cover-up. Nixon’s administration initially refused, citing executive privilege, which the courts challenged. A significant legal battle ensued, culminating in the Supreme Court case United States v. Nixon in 1974. The Court ruled unanimously that Nixon had to turn over the tapes, a decision that ultimately damaged his presidency.

One of the most notorious aspects of the tapes was the "18 1/2 minutes of silence," which was a segment of audio recordings that appeared to contain no sound. This silence suggested a possible erasure or destruction of material that could incriminate Nixon or reveal incriminating discussions. The missing segment raised suspicions about deliberate tampering, fueling accusations that Nixon attempted to obstruct justice by destroying evidence.

The Role of Key Personalities in the Watergate Scandal

In examining the Watergate scandal, it is imperative to consider the roles played by prominent figures such as John Dean, G. Gordon Liddy, and Bob Woodward. John Dean, Nixon’s White House Counsel, testified before Congress and provided crucial evidence of the cover-up, implicating the president and his aides.

G. Gordon Liddy and Howard Hunt, both operatives involved in the break-in, orchestrated the illegal activities and attempted to conceal their involvement. Their criminal actions included orchestrating the break-in and planting false information as part of the political espionage.

Investigative journalism played a pivotal role, with journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncovering key facts. Woodward, working with anonymous source Mark Felt—later revealed as the FBI’s Associate Director, known as "Deep Throat"— pursued clues that exposed the scope of the conspiracy and prompted judicial inquiries. Their work uncovered evidence that linked the break-in to higher levels of government, forcing Nixon’s resignation.

Furthermore, the clandestine efforts of these figures exposed the abuse of executive power, leading to reforms in transparency and accountability. The involvement of Attorney General Richard Kleindienst and the subsequent resignation of officials involved demonstrated the systemic nature of the scandal and its impact on U.S. political institutions.

Conclusion

The Watergate scandal exemplifies how investigative journalism, legal proceedings, and political accountability intersect in the exercise of democratic oversight. President Nixon’s connection to the break-in, the discovery of the taping system, and the subsequent revelations highlight the importance of transparency and rule of law in safeguarding democratic values. The scandal’s aftermath, including Nixon’s resignation and Gerald Ford’s pardon, reflects ongoing debates about presidential accountability and executive privilege. The Watergate episode remains a testament to the resilience of American institutions in confronting corruption and upholding justice.

References

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