Lasting Legacy of Richard Nixon: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Richard Nixon—a timeline of influence.

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

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.

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.

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.

1973: Endangered Species Act Enforcement

In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was enforced during Nixon's presidency.

September 8, 1974: Ford Pardons Nixon

On September 8, 1974, President Gerald Ford granted Nixon a "full, free, and absolute pardon", ending any possibility of an indictment.

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.

RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon (Richard Nixon Library Editions)

Check it on Amazon

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".

July 19, 1990: Opening of the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace

On July 19, 1990, the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace opened in Yorba Linda, California, with the Nixons and former Presidents Ford, Reagan, and George H. W. Bush in attendance.

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.

1998: Nixon and Watergate During Clinton Impeachment

During Bill Clinton's impeachment in 1998, Republicans and Democrats both referenced Nixon and Watergate to support their arguments.

2011: Nigel Bowles' Study of Nixon's Economic Record

According to political economist Nigel Bowles in his 2011 study of Nixon's economic record, the new president did little to alter Johnson's policies through the first year of his presidency.

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.