Contextualization

Introduction to Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, is a controversial figure in American history. Born on January 9, 1913, he served as president from 1969 to 1974, when he became the only U.S. president to resign from office. However, Nixon's legacy is not limited to his resignation. His presidency was marked by significant policy achievements, particularly in the areas of diplomacy and civil rights.

Nixon's foreign policy, known as "Nixon Doctrine," was characterized by a strategy of "realpolitik" or the pursuit of national interests. It aimed to reduce the United States' military commitments overseas while building stronger relationships with Soviet Union and China. The normalization of relations with China, in particular, was a major diplomatic feat.

Nixon also played a pivotal role in promoting civil rights. His administration implemented "affirmative action" policies to address historical racial inequalities in hiring and education. He also signed the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act, marking the beginning of the modern environmental movement.

The Watergate Scandal

However, Nixon's presidency is perhaps best remembered for the Watergate scandal. In 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. Further investigations revealed that these break-ins were part of a broader campaign of political espionage and sabotage conducted by the Nixon administration.

The scandal rocked the nation, leading to the resignation of several key Nixon aides and ultimately, Nixon himself. It also resulted in a profound loss of public trust in the government, an event that still reverberates through American politics today.

Resources

For a deeper understanding of Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal, we recommend the following resources:

1. The Nixon Library - The official website of the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, with a wealth of information on Nixon's life and presidency.

2. The Watergate Files - A comprehensive collection of articles, documents, and audio recordings from The Washington Post, the newspaper that broke the Watergate story.

3. The American Presidency Project: Richard Nixon - A digital archive of the public papers and speeches of American presidents, including Nixon.

4. The Watergate Scandal: A Look Back - An article from History.com that provides an overview of the Watergate scandal.

5. Richard Nixon: The Life by John A. Farrell - A comprehensive biography that delves into Nixon's life, presidency, and legacy.

By using these resources as a starting point, you will be able to delve into the fascinating and complex history of Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Nixon and Watergate: A Historical Investigation"

Objective of the Project

The main objective of this project is to study the life, presidency, and the Watergate scandal of Richard Nixon. Students should develop a comprehensive understanding of Nixon's policies, the significance of the Watergate scandal, and its impact on American politics and society.

Detailed Description of the Project

In this project, students will work in groups of 3-5 to conduct a historical investigation into Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal. Each group will be responsible for creating a presentation and a written document summarizing their findings.

The project will be divided into two main sections:

1. The Life and Presidency of Richard Nixon: Students will research and present key events and policies of Nixon's presidency, with a focus on his foreign policy initiatives and domestic achievements such as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Apollo moon landing.

2. The Watergate Scandal: Students will delve into the details of the Watergate scandal, investigating how it unfolded, the role of key figures, and its consequences for American politics and society.

Necessary Materials

• Access to the internet for research
• Access to library resources for in-depth study
• Presentation software (such as PowerPoint or Google Slides)
• Word processing software for writing the document (such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
• Art supplies for visual aids (optional)

Detailed Step-by-step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Formation of Groups and Research: Divide the students into groups of 3-5. Each group should first conduct research on Richard Nixon's life and presidency, using the resources provided and any other reliable sources they find.

2. Presentation Creation: Based on their research, students should create a 10-15 minute presentation that covers the key points of Nixon's presidency, highlighting his major policies and achievements. The presentation should also include visuals (images, charts, etc.) to enhance understanding.

3. Watergate Investigation: After completing the presentation, the students should then focus on the Watergate scandal. They should research the background, events, and consequences of the scandal, considering its impact on American politics and society.

4. Written Document: Alongside the presentation, each group should also create a written document that summarizes their findings. The document should follow the specified format (Introduction, Development, Conclusion, and Used Bibliography) and should complement the information in the presentation.

5. Review and Practice Presentation: Once the presentation and written document are complete, the groups should review their work, making sure all information is accurate and well-presented. The presentation should be practiced to ensure a smooth delivery.

6. Class Presentation and Submission of Written Document: Each group will present their findings to the class. After the presentation, the written document should be submitted.

Project Deliverables

The deliverables for this project are:

1. Presentation: A 10-15 minute presentation that covers the life and presidency of Richard Nixon and the details of the Watergate scandal. The presentation should be informative, engaging, and well-structured.

2. Written Document: A comprehensive summary of the project in the format of an essay. The document should provide an introduction to the topic, the objective of the investigation, the methodology used, and the results obtained. The students should also cite the sources they used for their research in a bibliography.

The aim of this project is to encourage students to delve into and understand an important period of American history. It also aims to develop their research, collaboration, presentation, and writing skills.