The Watergate Affair and its Aftermath (1968-1974)

Question 1

Why did Nixon create ‘The Plumbers’?

Answer 1

To prevent and stop leaks of classified information, such as the Pentagon Papers, and to conduct covert operations, including political sabotage and intelligence gathering against perceived opponents

Question 2

What were the Pentagon Papers?

Answer 2

Leaked in 1971, revealed that the US government under Kennedy and Johnson’s Administration had misled the public and Congress about the Vietnam War.

Question 3

What was the Watergate Hotel and how many men were arrested for breaking into it?

Answer 3

• It was the location of the Democratic Party’s Washington DC offices where the party was preparing for the 1972 election
• On June 17th 1972, five men were arrested

Question 4

What did Nixon annouce following the arrest of the 5 men?

Answer 4

On the 30th of August, Nixon annouced that John Dean had investeigated the break-in and concluded that no one from the White House was involved

Question 5

When did the trial for the Watergate break-in open and how many men were found guilty?

Answer 5

On Jan 9th 1973 and seven men were found guilty

Question 6

Why was Nixon looking increasingly suspicous during the Watergate break-in?

Answer 6

• When the Senate committee learnt of the White House taping system and subpoenad the tapes in July 1973, Nixon refused to comply
• Upon getting the tapes, the Senate committee discovered an 18.5 minute gap

Question 7

When was Nixon impeached?

Answer 7

27-30th of October 1974 by the House of Judiciary Committee

Question 8

When did Nixon resign?

Answer 8

August 9th 1974, making Gerald Ford the president

Question 9

What was the effect of the Watergate Scandal on Nixon and the public?

Answer 9

• It increased public mistrust in the government
• It exposed the difference between Nixon’s public image and the reality