Explain The Events That Created The Watergate Scandal ✓ Solved

Explain the events that created the Watergate Scandal. Use

Complete the question below and submit your word document to Turnitin. You are allowed to use your textbook and reader - BUT make sure that you document ALL of the information used from those sources. Basic Directions: Minimum of 800 words and no maximum word length - but make sure that you answer the question asked. Essay must be typed in double spaced in Times New Roman font. Document the sources you use with by MLA or APA format - listing a works cited page or putting quotes around sentences is NOT enough documentation.

You can only use a maximum of 3 direct quotes throughout your essay - these quotes can only be 2 sentences in length. Question: Explain the events that created the Watergate Scandal. Use 2 specific examples. What was uncovered by Washington Post reporters Woodward and Bernstein that led to charging President Nixon with criminal behavior? What were the specific charges? Include/list the specific changes. How did the Watergate scandal affect the trust of American voters in their government and leaders? Be Specific in answering the questions above.

Paper For Above Instructions

The Watergate Scandal stands as one of the most significant political events in American history, illustrating the complexities of political power, media influence, and public trust. To understand the scandal, it is essential to examine the events that led to its emergence, the role played by investigative journalists, and the subsequent impact on public perception of government and its leaders.

Background of the Watergate Scandal

The Watergate Scandal originated from a broader atmosphere of paranoia within the Nixon administration. President Richard Nixon, who took office in 1969, faced numerous challenges, including a controversial Vietnam War, domestic unrest, and significant civil rights movements. His administration employed tactics to ensure political dominance during the 1972 presidential campaign, leading to the infamous break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington D.C. on June 17, 1972. This act was not merely a burglary but a calculated attempt to gather intelligence on Nixon's political opponents.

Specific Events Leading to the Scandal

One pivotal event was the burglary itself, which involved five men associated with Nixon's reelection campaign. After they were apprehended, the unfolding story revealed that they were tying into broader operations, including wiretapping and other illegal activities orchestrated by the Committee to Re-Elect the President (CREEP) aimed at sabotaging the opposition. This event catalyzed a series of investigations into the activities of the Nixon administration.

The second significant example revolved around the cover-up orchestrated by high-ranking officials within Nixon’s administration. After the break-in, efforts were made to ensure that the perpetrators would not implicate the campaign. Notably, Nixon ordered the FBI to stop its investigation, citing national security concerns, which signaled a blatant abuse of executive power. This act of obstruction would later become a cornerstone of the charges against him.

Role of Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein played a critical role in uncovering the connections between the break-in and the Nixon administration. Their reporting, backed by anonymous sources, including the famed informant known as "Deep Throat," revealed that the scandal extended far beyond the initial burglary. By following the money trail, they uncovered that campaign funds were used to pay for the break-in and to cover up its consequences. Their consistently diligent efforts to chase down leads led to revelations of widespread corruption and illegal actions by the Nixon administration.

Charges Against President Nixon

The breadth of Woodward and Bernstein’s findings ultimately led to calls for impeachment against Nixon. The specific charges included conspiracy to obstruct justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. These accusations highlighted the systemic corruption within the executive branch and the lengths to which the president and his aides would go to maintain power. In July 1974, the House Judiciary Committee approved articles of impeachment against Nixon, which listed these charges in stark detail.

Impact on American Voter Trust

The Watergate Scandal had enduring ramifications on the American political landscape, particularly regarding public trust in government. Following the scandal, a significant decline in approval ratings for Nixon and Republican leadership became evident. According to a Gallup poll conducted in the aftermath, trust in government plunged to historic lows, with only around 36% of respondents expressing faith in the federal government to do what is right. This loss of trust persisted for decades, leading to increased skepticism among voters and a more profound concern regarding transparency and accountability in governance.

The fallout from Watergate also prompted significant political reforms, including measures intended to enhance transparency and reduce the potential for similar abuses of power. The establishment of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and new laws to regulate campaign financing arose in direct response to the corruption uncovered during the scandal. These changes signified a public yearning for greater oversight and ethical governance in the political arena.

Conclusion

In summary, the Watergate Scandal unfolded through a series of calculated political manipulations that culminated in a historic crisis for the Nixon administration. Through investigative journalism, the unraveling of the cover-up shed light on the abuses of power perpetrated at the highest levels of government. The repercussions of the scandal not only led to the resignation of President Nixon but also fundamentally altered the relationship between American voters and their government, instilling a lasting skepticism that persists to this day. The lessons of Watergate remain significant, as they inform current discussions about integrity, accountability, and the role of the media in safeguarding democracy.

References

• Gordon, A. (2012). The Watergate Scandal: A History in Documents. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Herken, G. (2007). The Georgetown Set: Friends and Rivals in Cold War Washington. New York: HarperCollins.
• Levinson, D. (2018). The Nixon Years: Trials of a President. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Mahoney, D. (2015). Watergate: A New History. New York: Columbia University Press.
• Allard, K. (2013). The Rise and Fall of Richard Nixon. New York: Random House.
• Woodward, B., & Bernstein, C. (1974). All the President's Men. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• Gordon, L. (2019). Watergate: The Presidential Scandal that Shook America. New York: Routledge.
• Bernstein, C. (2007). A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton. New York: Knopf.
• Hoffman, A. (2014). The Nixon Defense: What He Knew, and When He Knew It. New York: Crown Publishers.
• Nixon, R. (1990). In the Arena: A Memoir of Victory, defeat, and Renewal. New York: Simon & Schuster.