Challenges in the Life of Richard Nixon in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Richard Nixon's life and career.

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.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1922: Nixon Family Ranch Fails

In 1922, the Nixon family ranch failed, leading the family to move to Whittier, California.

1933: Death of Nixon's Brother Harold

In 1933, Nixon's brother Harold died, requiring Nixon to remain in his hometown instead of attending Harvard University.

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.

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.

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.

1960: Nixon Loses Presidential Election to Kennedy

In 1960, Richard Nixon narrowly lost the presidential election to John F. Kennedy.

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.

1968: Dilution of Southern Support

In 1968, Nixon's efforts to gain Southern support were diluted by Wallace's candidacy.

July 1969: Chappaquiddick Incident

In July 1969, Ted Kennedy was largely removed from contention after the Chappaquiddick incident.

1969: Cancellation of the Manned Orbital Laboratory Program

In 1969, Nixon canceled the Air Force Manned Orbital Laboratory program.

1969: Inflation at 4.7 Percent

In 1969, when Nixon took office, inflation was at 4.7 percent, its highest rate since the Korean War. The Great Society, along with Vietnam War costs, caused large budget deficits.

August 1970: Soviets Ask Nixon to Reaffirm Understanding on Cuba

In August 1970, the Soviets, concerned that Nixon might attack Cuba, requested that he reaffirm the understanding between Kennedy and Khrushchev regarding the Cuban Missile Crisis.

October 1970: Confrontation Over Soviet Base Expansion in Cuba

In October 1970, a minor confrontation ensued when the Soviets began expanding their base at Cienfuegos in Cuba. Eventually, they stipulated that they would not use Cienfuegos for submarines bearing ballistic missiles.

1970: Nixon's Alcohol Use and Medications

In 1970, Richard Nixon sometimes drank alcohol to excess and took sleeping pills and dilantin. His overindulgences, especially during stressful times, concerned his advisors.

1970: U.S. Economy Struggles

In 1970, the U.S. economy continued to struggle, contributing to a lackluster Republican performance in the midterm congressional elections.

June 17, 1972: Watergate Break-in

On June 17, 1972, five men were caught breaking into the Democratic Party headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C., leading to the Watergate scandal.

June 20, 1972: Missing Tape Conversation

In November, Nixon's lawyers revealed that a tape of conversations held in the White House on June 20, 1972, had an 18+1⁄2 minute gap.

July 1973: Butterfield Testifies about Nixon's Taping System

In July 1973, White House aide Alexander Butterfield testified under oath to Congress that Nixon had a secret taping system.

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.

October 10, 1973: Agnew Resigns as Vice President

On October 10, 1973, Vice President Agnew resigned due to bribery, tax evasion, and money laundering charges.

November 17, 1973: "I'm not a crook"

On November 17, 1973, during a televised session, Nixon famously said, "People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook."

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: OPEC Oil Embargo

In 1973, following U.S. support of Israel in the Yom Kippur War, Arab OPEC nations retaliated by refusing to sell crude oil to the U.S., resulting in the 1973 oil crisis.

May 9, 1974: House Judiciary Committee Opens Impeachment Hearings

On May 9, 1974, the House Judiciary Committee opened televised impeachment hearings against Nixon.

August 5, 1974: Release of the "Smoking Gun Tape"

On August 5, 1974, Nixon released the "Smoking Gun Tape", accepting blame for misleading the country about White House involvement in Watergate.

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.

October 1974: Nixon Falls Ill and Midterm Elections

In October 1974, Richard Nixon fell ill with phlebitis and reluctantly chose surgery. While hospitalized and under subpoena, Nixon's illness was doubted by The Washington Post. Republicans faced significant losses in the House and Senate in the 1974 midterm elections, partly due to Watergate and Nixon's pardon.

1974: Payment of Back Taxes

In 1974, Nixon paid $465,000 in back taxes.

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: North Vietnam Conquers South Vietnam

In 1975, after American combat support ended and a brief truce, fighting resumed, and North Vietnam conquered South Vietnam.

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.