The Watergate Scandal was a major political event in the United States during the 1970s. It began on June 17, 1972, when five men were caught breaking into the offices of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) at the Watergate building in Washington, D.C. These men wanted to steal important documents and install listening devices.
This break-in was not just a random crime. Investigations showed that the burglars worked for people close to President Richard Nixon. The scandal exposed corruption and led to Nixon's resignation.
Journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of The Washington Post helped uncover the truth. They found evidence that the White House tried to cover up its role in the break-in. Their work made the public demand answers.
A key moment in the scandal was the discovery of secret tapes. Nixon had recorded conversations in his office, and these tapes showed he knew about the cover-up. Faced with strong evidence, Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974. He was the first U.S. president to step down.
The Watergate Scandal showed that no one is above the law—not even a president. It also strengthened the role of journalism and made people demand more honesty from their leaders.