Richard Milhous Nixon, born on January 9, 1913, served as the 37th President of the United States from January 20, 1969, until his resignation on August 9, 1974. He was the only U.S. president to resign from office, due to the Watergate scandal.
Early Life and Education Richard M. Nixon
Richard Nixon was born in Yorba Linda, California, to a Quaker family. He attended Whittier College and later Duke University School of Law. In 1937, he was admitted to the bar in California and began practicing law.
Political Career Richard M. Nixon
Nixon’s political career began in the 1940s, when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1950, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, and in 1952, he was elected Vice President of the United States under Dwight D. Eisenhower. He served two terms as Vice President, and in 1968, he was elected as the 37th President of the United States.
Presidency
Domestic Policies
During his presidency, Nixon implemented a number of domestic policies, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. He also implemented wage and price controls, and signed the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.
Foreign Policies
Nixon’s foreign policies were marked by a number of significant events, including the Vietnam War and the establishment of diplomatic relations with China. He also signed the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement with the Soviet Union.
Watergate Scandal
The Watergate scandal was a political scandal that occurred during Nixon’s presidency, involving the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up of White House involvement. The scandal ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation from office in 1974, and several of his top advisors were convicted of crimes related to the cover-up.
Resignation and Later Life
On August 9, 1974, Nixon announced his resignation from the presidency, effective the next day. After leaving office, he retired to his home in California and wrote several books, including his memoirs. He died on April 22, 1994, at the age of 81.
Conclusion
Richard Nixon remains one of the most controversial figures in American history, with his legacy marked by both his significant achievements in foreign and domestic policies, as well as the Watergate scandal. Despite his resignation from office, Nixon’s impact on American politics and foreign relations continues to be felt to this day.