Early Life and Education

Richard Nixon was born on January 9, 1913, in California. He grew up in a poor household, though his parents ensured their children never fully realized their poverty. His parents’ modest jobs instilled in Nixon a strong work ethic. Nixon excelled in school and was accepted to Harvard, but his family could not afford the tuition. Instead, he enrolled in a smaller local college and later earned a scholarship to Duke University Law School. After graduating, he returned to his hometown to work at a local law firm.

Convicting Traitors

After briefly serving in the military, Nixon entered politics when he was elected to the House of Representatives. He gained recognition for his work on the Marshall Plan, which provided economic aid to struggling European nations after World War II. Nixon became known for his role on the House Un-American Activities Committee, especially for investigating Alger Hiss, whom he believed to be a Soviet spy. His strong stance against Communism boosted his national profile.

Vice-President to Eisenhower

Nixon’s career advanced significantly when Dwight D. Eisenhower chose him as his Vice President. Nixon expanded the role of the office, often stepping in when Eisenhower was ill. He supported important legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and the Social Security Act. Nixon also took on a greater role in foreign affairs than most previous Vice Presidents.

37th President

In 1960, Nixon ran for President against John F. Kennedy. Although praised for the strength of his arguments, Nixon lost to Kennedy’s charisma and television presence. Devastated, Nixon briefly stepped back from politics. However, when President Lyndon B. Johnson chose not to run in 1968, Nixon seized the opportunity and won the election, becoming the 37th President of the United States.

The Vietnam War Ends; The Military Draft is Eliminated

Nixon faced the ongoing Vietnam War upon taking office. He introduced “Vietnamization,” shifting more responsibility to South Vietnamese forces while reducing American involvement. He also authorized heavy bombing campaigns. In 1973, a cease-fire agreement ended direct U.S. involvement in the war. Nixon also signed legislation ending the military draft. His administration oversaw school desegregation in the South, the opening of diplomatic relations with China, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Watergate Scandal and Resignation

Despite these accomplishments, Nixon’s presidency is overshadowed by the Watergate Scandal. In 1972, operatives tied to his campaign broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Hotel. When the FBI investigated, Nixon attempted to obstruct the inquiry by involving the CIA. Evidence later revealed Nixon had secretly recorded Oval Office conversations. After refusing to release the tapes, he was ordered by the Supreme Court to turn them over. Facing certain impeachment, Nixon resigned in August 1974. His successor, Gerald Ford, later pardoned him. The scandal left many Americans mistrustful of the government.

Later Life

Following his resignation, Nixon wrote books and traveled extensively. He died on April 18, 1994, at the age of 81, from a stroke.

Most Well-Known Quote

“I am not a crook.”

Discussion Questions

1. How did Nixon’s early life shape his political values and work ethic?
2. Why was Nixon’s investigation of Alger Hiss so important for his political career?
3. What were Nixon’s most significant achievements as President before the Watergate scandal?
4. How did the Watergate scandal change Americans’ trust in government?

Glossary

• Marshall Plan: A U.S. program providing aid to help Europe recover after World War II.
• Vietnamization: Nixon’s policy of transferring military responsibility to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
• Impeachment: The process by which a legislative body brings charges against a government official.
• Executive Privilege: The President’s right to keep certain communications private, even from Congress or the courts.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): A federal agency created in 1970 to regulate and protect the environment.

Five Interesting Facts

1. Nixon was the first U.S. President to visit China, opening relations between the two nations.
2. He created the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970.
3. Nixon ended the military draft, changing how the U.S. built its armed forces.
4. He is the only U.S. President to resign from office.
5. Nixon secretly recorded his Oval Office conversations, which ultimately led to his downfall.

Timeline of Richard Nixon’s Life

• 1913 – Born in California on January 9.
• 1930s – Attended college and Duke University Law School.
• 1940s – Served briefly in the military during World War II.
• 1946 – Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
• 1948 – Gained fame for investigating Alger Hiss.
• 1953 – Became Vice President under Dwight Eisenhower.
• 1960 – Lost the presidential election to John F. Kennedy.
• 1968 – Elected the 37th President of the United States.
• 1969 – Began Vietnamization policy.
• 1970 – Established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• 1972 – Visited China and was re-elected President.
• 1973 – U.S. involvement in Vietnam officially ended.
• 1974 – Resigned due to the Watergate scandal.
• 1990s – Published books and traveled abroad.
• 1994 – Died on April 18 at age 81.