Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Richard Nixon
How Richard Nixon built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Richard Nixon, the 37th U.S. President, served from 1969 until his 1974 resignation. A Republican, he previously served as a Congressman, Senator, and Vice President. His presidency is noted for ending US involvement in Vietnam, initiating détente with the Soviet Union and China, overseeing the Apollo 11 Moon landing, and creating the EPA and OSHA. He resigned amidst the Watergate scandal, becoming the only U.S. president to do so.
1910: Quoting Theodore Roosevelt's Speech
In defending his presidency on August 8, 1974, Nixon quoted "Citizenship in a Republic", a 1910 speech by Theodore Roosevelt.
1937: Nixon Admitted to California Bar and Starts Practicing Law
In 1937, Richard Nixon was admitted to the California bar and began practicing law in Whittier with the firm Wingert and Bewley.
1938: Nixon Opens Branch of Law Firm in La Habra
In 1938, Richard Nixon opened his own branch of Wingert and Bewley in La Habra, California.
1941: Nixon Seeks Position at the Office of Price Administration
Throughout the latter part of 1941, Richard Nixon sought a position at the Office of Price Administration.
January 1942: Nixon Moves to Northern Virginia
In January 1942, Richard Nixon and his wife moved to the Northern Virginia suburbs, where Nixon took a job at the Office of Price Administration in Washington, D.C.
June 15, 1942: Nixon Appointed Lieutenant Junior Grade in the Navy
On June 15, 1942, Richard Nixon was appointed a lieutenant junior grade in the United States Naval Reserve.
October 1942: Nixon Assigned to Naval Air Station Ottumwa
In October 1942, Richard Nixon was assigned as aide to the commander of the Naval Air Station Ottumwa in Wapello County, Iowa.
1942: Nixon Moves to Washington, D.C.
In 1942, Richard Nixon moved with his wife Pat to Washington, D.C., to work for the federal government.
May 1943: Nixon Leaves Naval Air Station Ottumwa
In May 1943, Richard Nixon's assignment at the Naval Air Station Ottumwa came to an end.
July 2, 1943: Nixon Assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 25
On July 2, 1943, Richard Nixon was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 25 and the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command (SCAT).
October 1, 1943: Nixon Promoted to Lieutenant
On October 1, 1943, Richard Nixon was promoted to lieutenant in the Navy.
January 1945: Nixon Transferred to Bureau of Aeronautics Office
In January 1945, Richard Nixon was transferred to the Bureau of Aeronautics office in Philadelphia.
October 3, 1945: Nixon Promoted to Lieutenant Commander
On October 3, 1945, Richard Nixon was promoted to lieutenant commander in the Navy.
1945: Formation of "Committee of 100"
In 1945, Republicans in California's 12th congressional district formed a "Committee of 100" to find a strong candidate to run against Democratic representative Jerry Voorhis. Herman Perry suggested Nixon, who was then selected by the committee.
March 10, 1946: Nixon Relieved of Active Duty
On March 10, 1946, Richard Nixon was relieved of active duty in the Navy.
1946: Nixon Elected to the House of Representatives
In 1946, Richard Nixon was elected to the House of Representatives.
1946: Nixon returns to Whittier and begins campaigning
In 1946, after leaving the Navy, Nixon and his wife returned to Whittier. He began a year of intensive campaigning, successfully winning the election against Jerry Voorhis.
February 1947: Nixon joins House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)
In early February 1947, Nixon joined the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and heard Gerhard Eisler and Ruth Fischer testify. He also received information on American Communism from Father John Francis Cronin.
February 18, 1947: Nixon's Maiden Speech to the House
On February 18, 1947, Nixon delivered his maiden speech to the House, referencing Gerhard Eisler's belligerence toward HUAC.
June 1947: Nixon supports the Taft–Hartley Act
In June 1947, Nixon supported the Taft–Hartley Act, which monitored labor unions, and served on the Education and Labor Committee.
August 1947: Nixon joins the Herter Committee
In August 1947, Nixon became one of 19 House members to serve on the Herter Committee, which assessed the need for U.S. foreign aid in Europe, contributing to the Marshall Plan's congressional passage.
May 1948: Nixon co-sponsors the Mundt–Nixon Bill
In May 1948, Nixon co-sponsored the Mundt–Nixon Bill, which aimed to register Communist Party members and require statements of sources for Communist front materials. He served as floor manager for the Republican Party.
May 19, 1948: House passes the Mundt-Nixon Bill
On May 19, 1948, the Mundt-Nixon Bill passed the House by a vote of 319 to 58, marking Nixon's first significant victory in Congress, although it later failed in the Senate.
August 1948: Nixon gains national attention in the Alger Hiss spy case
In August 1948, Nixon gained national attention as a member of the House Un-American Activities Committee by helping break the Alger Hiss spy case, pressing for the investigation to continue despite doubts.
1949: Nixon considers running for Senate
In 1949, Nixon began considering a run for the United States Senate against incumbent Sheridan Downey.
March 1950: Downey retires from Senate race
In March 1950, Sheridan Downey retired from the Senate race, facing a difficult primary battle.
November 30, 1950: Downey resigns from Senate
On November 30, 1950, Sheridan Downey resigned from the Senate, enabling the governor to appoint Nixon to the seat.
1950: Hiss convicted of perjury
In 1950, Alger Hiss was convicted of perjury for denying under oath that he had passed documents to Whittaker Chambers.
1950: Nixon Elected to the Senate
In 1950, Richard Nixon was elected to the Senate.
May 8, 1952: Dewey suggests Nixon as VP candidate
On May 8, 1952, after Nixon's speech at a Republican fundraiser in New York City, Governor Thomas E. Dewey suggested Nixon as a suitable vice presidential candidate to run alongside Eisenhower.
September 23, 1952: The Checkers Speech
On September 23, 1952, Nixon delivered the "Checkers speech" on television to address allegations of a political fund, emotionally defending himself and leading to a surge of public support and Eisenhower's decision to keep him on the ticket.
1952: Nixon Runs as Eisenhower's Running Mate
In 1952, Richard Nixon was the running mate of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Republican Party's presidential nominee.
June 1, 1953: Nixon Promoted to Commander in U.S. Naval Reserve
On June 1, 1953, Richard Nixon was promoted to commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
1953: Nixon Becomes Vice President
In 1953, Richard Nixon became the 36th Vice President of the United States under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
1953: Nixon's tour of the Far East
In 1953, as Vice President, Nixon toured the Far East, increasing goodwill towards the United States and recognizing the region's industrial potential. He visited Saigon and Hanoi.
1954: Republicans lose control of Congress
In the 1954 elections, despite Nixon's campaigning, Republicans lost control of both houses of Congress, leading Nixon to consider leaving politics.
September 24, 1955: Eisenhower's heart attack
On September 24, 1955, President Eisenhower suffered a heart attack, and Nixon acted in his stead, presiding over Cabinet meetings and ensuring stability during Eisenhower's six-week recovery.
December 1955: Eisenhower proposes Nixon become a Cabinet officer
In December 1955, Eisenhower suggested Nixon not run for reelection as VP and instead become a Cabinet officer to gain administrative experience, which Nixon saw as detrimental to his political career.
February 1956: Eisenhower announces reelection bid
In February 1956, Eisenhower announced his reelection bid but was initially noncommittal about Nixon as his running mate, leading to uncertainty.
November 1956: Eisenhower and Nixon reelected
In November 1956, Eisenhower and Nixon were reelected by a comfortable margin, securing Nixon's second term as Vice President.
1956: Nixon Runs as Eisenhower's Running Mate Again
In 1956, Richard Nixon was once again the running mate of Dwight D. Eisenhower in the presidential election.
November 1957: Eisenhower suffers a stroke
In November 1957, after Eisenhower suffered a mild stroke, Nixon assured the nation that the Cabinet was functioning well as a team during Eisenhower's brief illness.
April 27, 1958: Nixon embarks on goodwill tour of South America
On April 27, 1958, Richard and Pat Nixon began a goodwill tour of South America. In Caracas, Venezuela, Nixon and his wife were spat on by anti-American demonstrators and their limousine was attacked. Nixon claimed the protestors were controlled by a communist conspiracy.
July 1959: The "Kitchen Debate" with Khrushchev
In July 1959, Nixon visited the Soviet Union for the opening of the American National Exhibition in Moscow. On July 24, he engaged in the "Kitchen Debate" with Nikita Khrushchev, discussing the merits of capitalism versus communism.
January 9, 1960: Nixon announces presidential campaign
On January 9, 1960, Nixon officially launched his first campaign for President of the United States, choosing Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. as his running mate.
1960: Advocacy for civil rights
In 1960, Nixon advocated for civil rights during his campaign.
1960: Nixon Loses Presidential Election to Kennedy
In 1960, Richard Nixon narrowly lost the presidential election to John F. Kennedy.
1960: Expected Close Election
In 1967, Richard Nixon expected the election to be as close as in 1960.
January 1961: End of term as Vice President
In January 1961, at the end of his term as vice president, Richard Nixon and his family returned to California where he practiced law and wrote the bestselling book, "Six Crises".
1961: End of Nixon's Vice Presidency
In 1961, Richard Nixon's term as Vice President under President Dwight D. Eisenhower came to an end.
1962: Nixon Loses California Gubernatorial Race
In 1962, Richard Nixon lost the race for governor of California and announced his retirement from politics.
1962: California Gubernatorial Election
In 1962, Richard Nixon ran for governor of California against incumbent Pat Brown. Despite initial reluctance, Nixon entered the race but lost by more than five percentage points, which was widely believed to be the end of his political career.
1964: Opposition to the Civil Rights Act
In 1964, Goldwater won several Southern states by opposing the Civil Rights Act, alienating moderate Southerners.
1964: Nixon Pledges Not to Run for President
In 1964, Nixon had pledged not to run for president when announcing his California campaign. He believed it would be difficult to defeat Kennedy, or after his assassination, Kennedy's successor, Lyndon Johnson.
1964: Endorsement of Barry Goldwater
In 1964, Richard Nixon endorsed Arizona senator Barry Goldwater for the Republican presidential nomination and introduced him at the Republican National Convention, despite believing Goldwater was unlikely to win. Goldwater eventually lost in a landslide to Lyndon Johnson.
June 6, 1966: Nixon Retires from U.S. Naval Reserve
On June 6, 1966, Richard Nixon retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve.
1966: Campaigning in Congressional Elections
In 1966, Richard Nixon campaigned for many Republicans in the congressional elections, seeking to regain seats lost in the Johnson landslide. Nixon was credited with helping Republicans win major electoral gains that year.
1967: Arguing before the Supreme Court
In 1967, Richard Nixon argued on behalf of the Hill family in "Time, Inc. v. Hill" at the Supreme Court of the United States, regarding a case involving the press and perceived invasion of privacy. While the decision favored Time Inc., Nixon received praise for his argument.
January 1968: Start of Tumultuous Primary Election Season
In January 1968, an exceptionally tumultuous primary election season began with the Tet Offensive. Nixon secured the Republican nomination on the first ballot, choosing Spiro Agnew as his running mate.
1968: Campaigning as an ERA Supporter
In 1968, Nixon campaigned as a supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
1968: Dilution of Southern Support
In 1968, Nixon's efforts to gain Southern support were diluted by Wallace's candidacy.
1968: Nixon Wins Presidential Election
In 1968, Richard Nixon ran again for the presidency and defeated the Democratic candidate, Vice President Hubert Humphrey.
January 20, 1969: Inauguration as President
On January 20, 1969, Richard Nixon was inaugurated as president, sworn in by Chief Justice Earl Warren. In his inaugural address, Nixon remarked that "the greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker".
May 1969: Proposed Troop Withdrawal and Elections in Vietnam
In May 1969, Nixon publicly proposed to withdraw all American troops from South Vietnam, provided North Vietnam did so, and suggested South Vietnam hold internationally supervised elections with Viet Cong participation.
July 1969: Visit to South Vietnam
In July 1969, Richard Nixon visited South Vietnam and met with U.S. military commanders and President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu. He implemented the "Vietnamization" strategy of replacing American troops with Vietnamese troops.
July 20, 1969: Apollo 11 Moon Landing
On July 20, 1969, the United States successfully landed astronauts on the Moon with Apollo 11. Nixon spoke with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, calling it "the most historic phone call ever made from the White House".
1969: Cancellation of the Manned Orbital Laboratory Program
In 1969, Nixon canceled the Air Force Manned Orbital Laboratory program.
1969: Start of Nixon's Presidency
In 1969, Richard Nixon began his term as the 37th president of the United States.
1969: Nixon Steps Up Covert Operations Against Cuba
In 1969, upon taking office, Nixon intensified covert operations against Cuba and its president, Fidel Castro, maintaining close ties with the Cuban-American exile community.
September 1970: Desegregation of Schools
By September 1970, due to Nixon's administration efforts, less than ten percent of black children were attending segregated schools.
September 1970: Covert Opposition to Salvador Allende
In September 1970, the election of Salvador Allende as President of Chile spurred a campaign of covert opposition by Nixon and Kissinger, trying to prevent Allende from taking office.
1970: Congress Grants Power to Impose Wage and Price Freezes
In 1970, Congress granted the president the power to impose wage and price freezes, though they did not expect Nixon to use this authority.
1970: Implementation of the Philadelphia Plan
In 1970, Nixon implemented the Philadelphia Plan, which was the first significant federal affirmative action program.
February 1971: Call for Increased Funding for Sickle-Cell Research
In February 1971, Nixon called for more money for sickle-cell research, treatment, and education.
July 15, 1971: Announcement of Visit to China
On July 15, 1971, announcements from Washington and Beijing revealed that President Nixon would visit China the following February. This followed secret meetings between Henry Kissinger and Chinese officials, paving the way for closer relations.
August 1971: Nixon Announces Wage and Price Controls
In August 1971, with inflation unresolved and an election year looming, Nixon announced temporary wage and price controls, allowed the dollar to float, and ended the convertibility of the dollar into gold.
1971: Nixon Aided Pakistan and Ended Dollar Convertibility
In 1971, Nixon covertly aided Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War and ended the direct international convertibility of the U.S. dollar to gold.
1971: United States Postal Service
In 1971, Nixon eliminated the Cabinet-level United States Post Office Department, which became the government-run United States Postal Service.
1971: Health Insurance Reform Proposal
In 1971, Nixon proposed health insurance reform involving a private health insurance employer mandate, federalization of Medicaid, and support for HMOs.
January 5, 1972: Nixon Announces Candidacy for Reelection
On January 5, 1972, Nixon entered his name on the New Hampshire primary ballot, effectively announcing his candidacy for reelection.
February 1972: Nixon's Visit to China
In February 1972, Richard Nixon and his wife traveled to China, where Nixon shook hands with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, marking a significant diplomatic gesture. Television coverage was favored over print publications during the visit.
May 16, 1972: Signing of the National Sickle Cell Anemia Control Act
On May 16, 1972, Nixon signed the National Sickle Cell Anemia Control Act.
May 22, 1972: Nixon Visits Moscow
On May 22, 1972, President Nixon and First Lady arrived in Moscow and met with Soviet leaders including Leonid Brezhnev, Alexei Kosygin, and Nikolai Podgorny.
May 24, 1972: Approval of Cooperative Space Program with the Soviet Union
On May 24, 1972, Nixon approved a five-year cooperative program between NASA and the Soviet space program.
November 7, 1972: Nixon Reelected in Landslide Victory
On November 7, 1972, Nixon was reelected in one of the largest landslide election victories in American history, defeating McGovern with over 60 percent of the popular vote.
1972: Nixon Vetoes the Clean Water Act
In 1972, Nixon vetoed the Clean Water Act due to the amount of money to be spent on it, which he deemed excessive, although Congress overrode his veto.
1972: Nixon's Visit to China and Re-election
In 1972, Nixon visited China, leading to diplomatic relations between the two nations, and he was re-elected, defeating George McGovern.
1972: Inflation Dampened, Bretton Woods System Collapses
In 1972, Nixon's policies dampened inflation, although their aftereffects contributed to inflation later on. Nixon's decision to end the gold standard led to the collapse of the Bretton Woods system.
June 1973: Reimposition of Price Controls
In June 1973, after winning re-election, Nixon reimposed price controls due to returning inflation.
October 6, 1973: Yom Kippur War and Superpower Crisis
On October 6, 1973, an Arab coalition attacked Israel, leading to the Yom Kippur War. Nixon ordered an airlift to resupply Israeli losses and, following a threat from Soviet Premier Brezhnev, ordered the U.S. military to DEFCON3, bringing the world close to nuclear war.
December 6, 1973: Ford Sworn in as Vice President
On December 6, 1973, Gerald Ford was sworn in as vice president.
1973: Watergate Revelations Erode Support
From 1973, ongoing revelations from the Nixon administration's involvement in Watergate eroded his support in Congress and the country.
1973: Trade Deal with the Soviet Union
In 1973, Nixon encouraged the Export-Import Bank to finance a trade deal with the Soviet Union where Occidental Petroleum would export phosphate and import Soviet ammonia. Nixon also announced his administration's commitment to seeking most favored nation trade status with the USSR.
1973: End of American Combat in Vietnam
In 1973, Richard Nixon ended American combat involvement in Vietnam and the military draft the same year.
1973: Limited HMO Bill Enacted
In 1973, a limited HMO bill was enacted as part of Nixon's health insurance reform efforts.
1973: Endangered Species Act Enforcement
In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was enforced during Nixon's presidency.
1973: Paris Peace Accords Signed
In 1973, the Paris Peace Accords were signed, implementing a ceasefire and allowing the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam without requiring the withdrawal of North Vietnamese troops from the South. Also in 1973, conscription was phased out, and the armed forces became all-volunteer.
April 30, 1974: Lapse of Statutory Authorization for Price Controls
On April 30, 1974, the statutory authorization for Nixon's price controls lapsed, as they had become unpopular and produced food shortages.
June 1974: Nixon Visits the Middle East
In June 1974, Nixon made one of his final international visits as president to the Middle East, and became the first president to visit Israel.
August 8, 1974: Nixon Announces Resignation
On August 8, 1974, Nixon addressed the nation on television, announcing his resignation from the presidency.
August 9, 1974: Nixon's Resignation
On August 9, 1974, facing almost certain impeachment and removal from office, Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency.
December 1974: Nixon Plans His Comeback
In December 1974, despite facing considerable opposition, Nixon began planning his comeback into public life, as documented in his diary.
1974: Nixon's Second Trip to the Soviet Union
In 1974, Nixon embarked on a second trip to the Soviet Union, arriving in Moscow on June 27. He met with Brezhnev in Yalta to discuss various issues, but there were no significant breakthroughs.
1974: More Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform Proposal
In 1974, Nixon proposed more comprehensive health insurance reform with a private employer mandate and state-run health insurance plans available to all.
1974: Nixon's Resignation
In 1974, Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency, becoming the only U.S. president to do so. His resignation was a result of the Watergate scandal.
1975: Ford Visits China
In 1975, President Ford visited China before Nixon decided to travel there again.
1975: Nixon Begins Writing Memoirs and Faces Financial Constraints
In early 1975, Richard Nixon's health improved and he began working on his memoirs, compelled by financial constraints. By the end of February 1975, Nixon's transition allowance ended and he had to let go of many of his staff.
February 1976: Nixon Visits China at Mao's Invitation
In February 1976, Richard Nixon visited China upon the personal invitation of Mao Zedong.
1976: Nixon Disbarred in New York
In 1976, Richard Nixon was disbarred by a New York State court due to obstruction of justice in the Watergate affair, without presenting a defense.
1977: Nixon's Frost Interviews Aired
In 1977, a series of sit-down interviews between Richard Nixon and British talk-show host David Frost were aired. Nixon admitted to letting down the country regarding Watergate and the interviews became the most-watched program of its kind in television history.
1978: Publication of Nixon's Memoirs
In 1978, Richard Nixon published his memoirs, titled "RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon," the first of nine books he authored in retirement. It was well-received and became a bestseller.
1978: Nixon Visits the United Kingdom
In early 1978, Richard Nixon visited the United Kingdom. He was shunned by American diplomats and most ministers, but welcomed by Margaret Thatcher and other former prime ministers.
1979: Nixon Visits the White House and China
In 1979, Richard Nixon visited the White House at Jimmy Carter's invitation for a state dinner honoring Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping. He also had a private meeting with Deng and later visited Beijing again in mid-1979.
July 1980: Nixon Attends Shah of Iran's Funeral
In July 1980, after the Shah of Iran died, Nixon attended the funeral in Egypt, defying the State Department's intentions, and representing the U.S. due to his former presidential status.
1983: McGovern's Commentary on Nixon's Foreign Policy
In 1983, George McGovern commented that Richard Nixon had a practical approach to China and the Soviet Union, but criticized Nixon's continuation of the war in Vietnam.
1986: Nixon Addresses Newspaper Publishers
In 1986, Richard Nixon addressed a convention of newspaper publishers, impressing them with his global perspective. Newsweek ran a story on "Nixon's comeback".
1986: Nixon Visits the Soviet Union and Sends Memo to Reagan
In 1986, Richard Nixon visited the Soviet Union and sent President Reagan a memorandum with foreign policy suggestions and impressions of Mikhail Gorbachev. He was later ranked among the most admired men in the world.
1993: Nixon's Role as Elder Statesman Cemented
By 1993, Nixon had become an elder statesman, advising even Bill Clinton, despite Clinton's wife having worked on the committee that voted to impeach Nixon.
January 1994: Nixon Founds the Nixon Center
In January 1994, Richard Nixon founded the Nixon Center (now the Center for the National Interest), a policy think tank in Washington.
2011: Assessment of Nixon's Environmental Legacy
In 2011, historian Paul Charles Milazzo pointed to Richard Nixon's creation of the EPA and enforcement of the Endangered Species Act as part of Nixon's environmental legacy.
Mentioned in this timeline
Bill Clinton the nd U S President - served as...
John F Kennedy JFK was the th U S President...
The White House located at Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington...
California is a U S state on the Pacific Coast...
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics USSR existed from to...
Buzz Aldrin is an American former astronaut engineer and fighter...
Trending
43 minutes ago NY AG Seeks Disqualification of US Attorney Investigating Trump Lawsuits: A Legal Challenge
43 minutes ago Bologna Welcomes Back Immobile, Faces Parma with Recovered Ferguson, Aims to Rebound.
16 days ago Ja'Marr Chase Suspended One Game: Spitting Incident Sparks Controversy, Appeal Pending
6 months ago Joe Ryan's Fastball: A Valuable Pitch, Twins-Athletics Series Preview, Odds and Predictions
3 hours ago Jordan Spieth focuses on swing integrity, addresses backlash after career low.
3 hours ago Keegan Bradley Reflects on Ryder Cup Loss, Calls it Darkest Time
Popular
Aftyn Alyssa Behn is an American politician currently serving as...
Matt and Ross Duffer known as the Duffer Brothers are...
Lane Kiffin is an American football coach currently serving as...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
Stranger Things created by the Duffer Brothers is a popular...
William Franklin Graham III commonly known as Franklin Graham is...