Richard Nixon's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Richard Nixon. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Richard Nixon, the 37th U.S. President, served from 1969-1974. A Republican, he previously served as a Congressman, Senator, and Vice President. His presidency is noted for reducing US involvement in Vietnam, establishing détente with the Soviet Union and China, overseeing the Apollo 11 Moon landing, and creating the EPA and OSHA. Nixon resigned in 1974 amid the Watergate scandal, becoming the only president to ever resign.

Sections (7)

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

October 1, 1943: Promotion to Lieutenant

On October 1, 1943, Richard Nixon was promoted to lieutenant in the Navy.

1946: Nixon's Congressional Campaign

In 1946, after leaving the Navy, Richard Nixon and his wife returned to Whittier, California, where he began a year of intensive campaigning, ultimately winning the election against Jerry Voorhis with 65,586 votes.

May 19, 1948: Passage of Mundt-Nixon Bill in the House

On May 19, 1948, the Mundt–Nixon Bill passed the House by 319 to 58. The Nixon Library cites this bill's passage as Nixon's first significant victory in Congress.

August 1948: Alger Hiss Spy Case

In August 1948, Richard Nixon gained national attention when his persistence as a House Un-American Activities Committee member helped break the Alger Hiss spy case, leading to Hiss's perjury conviction in 1950.

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, in a case that Nixon had pursued as part of the House Un-American Activities Committee.

September 23, 1952: The Checkers Speech

On September 23, 1952, facing allegations of a conflict of interest due to a political fund, Nixon delivered the Checkers speech on television, defending himself and emotionally stating that his wife wore a "respectable Republican cloth coat" and mentioning the gift of "a little cocker spaniel dog ... named Checkers."

June 1, 1953: Promotion to Commander

On June 1, 1953, Richard Nixon was promoted to commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

November 1956: Eisenhower-Nixon Reelection

In November 1956, Eisenhower and Nixon were reelected by a comfortable margin.

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. He was credited with helping the Republicans win major electoral gains that year.

1968: Victory in 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 of the United States, sworn in by Chief Justice Earl Warren. He spoke about unity and peace in his inaugural address.

July 20, 1969: Apollo 11 Moon Landing

On July 20, 1969, the United States won the race to land astronauts on the Moon with the flight of Apollo 11. Nixon spoke with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin during their moonwalk, calling it "the most historic phone call ever made from the White House".

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September 1970: Desegregation Progress in Public Schools

By September 1970, as a result of the Nixon administration's efforts to integrate public schools in the South, less than ten percent of black children were attending segregated schools.

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 George McGovern with over 60 percent of the popular vote.

1972: 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: Dampening of Inflation

In 1972, Nixon's policies dampened inflation. Nixon's decision to end the gold standard in the United States led to the collapse of the Bretton Woods system.

1973: Paris Peace Accords and End of Conscription

In 1973, the Paris Peace Accords were signed, implementing a ceasefire and allowing for the withdrawal of American troops. Conscription was phased out, and the armed forces transitioned to an all-volunteer force.