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Watergate Scandal
Context:
On 8 August 1974, US President Richard Nixon resigned due to his involvement in the Watergate Scandal.
About the Watergate Scandal:
- It was a significant political controversy in the United States during Richard Nixon’s presidency from 1972 to 1974.
- It began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Office Building on June 17, 1972.
- The Nixon administration attempted to cover up its involvement in the break-in, leading to a series of investigations that uncovered widespread abuses of power.
- The scandal involved numerous indictments and convictions of high-ranking officials, and it severely damaged public trust in government.
Other Prominent Events During Nixon’s Presidency:
- Vietnam War and Peace Negotiations: Nixon escalated US involvement in the Vietnam War initially but later pursued a policy of “Vietnamisation“, aiming to reduce American troop presence while increasing support for South Vietnamese forces.
- The Paris Peace Accords were signed in 1973, leading to the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
- Apollo 11 Moon Landing: On July 20, 1969, during Nixon’s first term, the Apollo 11 mission successfully landed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
- Environmental Initiatives: Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 and enacted several key environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
- Opening Relations with China: In 1972, Nixon made a historic visit to China, which helped normalise relations between the two countries and marked a significant shift in US foreign policy.
- Detente with the Soviet Union: Nixon pursued a policy of détente, leading to the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the signing of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 1972, aimed at curbing the arms race between the US and the Soviet Union.
Nixon Doctrine:
- It was a foreign policy strategy that aimed to reduce American military involvement in conflicts while still supporting allies.
- It stated that the US would provide military and economic assistance to allies but would not commit ground troops to conflicts unless vital national interests were at stake.
- This doctrine was particularly focused on the Vietnam War context, emphasising the need for countries to take responsibility for their own defence, thereby shifting the burden of military engagement from the U.S. to its allies.
