Richard Nixon

37th President of the United States

Years in Office: 1969-1974

Party: Republican

Resigned from office

Did you know?

Richard Nixon was known to have a fondness for bowling, and he even had a one-lane bowling alley installed in the White House basement during his presidency, providing a lighthearted and child-friendly aspect to his leisure activities.

Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, served from 1969 to 1974. Born on January 9, 1913, in Yorba Linda, California, Nixon's political career began with his election to the House of Representatives in 1946 and later as Dwight D. Eisenhower's Vice President from 1953 to 1961. Nixon lost the 1960 presidential election to John F. Kennedy but returned to win the presidency in 1968.

Nixon's presidency was marked by both domestic and foreign policy initiatives. He pursued détente with the Soviet Union and opened relations with China, a significant diplomatic achievement. However, his administration faced challenges such as the Vietnam War, anti-war protests, and domestic unrest. The Watergate scandal, a political scandal involving the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, led to Nixon's resignation in 1974, making him the only U.S. president to resign from office. Gerald Ford succeeded him. Despite the achievements in foreign policy, Nixon's legacy is often overshadowed by the Watergate scandal, leaving a complex and controversial impact on American history.