Richard Nixon by Zaharina Velazquez

Richard M. Nixon
January 9, 1913 - April 22,1944


Life Story:

Nixon was born in Yorba Linda California to Quakers Francis A. Nixon and Hanna Milhous Nixon. He was one of five brother, two of whom died before he was twenty-one. Early life was not easy for Nixon for in 1922 his family's farm failed and they had to move to Whitter, California where they opened up a grocery store. Though faced with tough consequences Nixon was an outstanding student. In 1930, he graduated from Whitter Highschool 2nd in his class and entered Whitter College. Throughout college, Nixon was a very involved and active young man. He was part of debates, drama production, the football, basketball and track team and student body president. After graduating from Whitter in 1934 he went Duke University of Law and graduated in 1937 3rd in his class. Though he had planned to work for the FBI, Nixon took a job as a lawyer and area in which he worked in until he entered the Navy during World War II. By which point he had already married Ms. Thelma "Pat" Ryan.

Works and Awards:

• 1945 became Lieutenant Commander in the Navy.
• 1946 won a seat in the House of Representatives for California (served for 4 years).
• Mid 1950's won a seat in the Senate also representing California.
• Held Vice-Presidency 1953-1961.
• Won Presidency in 1969-1974.

Best Known For:

Nixon's is most widely recongized for the Watergate scandel that happened during his term. His involvement lead to his resignation. The Watergate scandel occured on June 16, 1972 at the Watergate hotel where a security guard found a door into the National Democratic Headquarters taped in an attempt to break in. This was done in attempt by the Nixon administration to tarnish the reputation of the Democrats. In his attempts to create a cover up story it was clearly shown that Nixon was involved and the trials began. In 1974 the House of Representatives approved his impeachment but he resigned before they impeached him.

Why It's Important:

Nixon is significant to the 1970s because he showed that the president is not always the perfect role model. His presidency was completely corrupt, mainly by him, and brought distrust in the country. Though he had a great reputation, it was tarnished by his ambitions. His resignation lead to a 23% drop in his approvel and lead to a the Democrats later taking over as the majority in the government.