Chapter 32, Student Web Activities, The American Vision, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, The American Republic Since 1877

Chapter 32: Politics and Economics, 1971–1980
"Watergate"

Introduction
In this chapter you learned the story of the most publicized political scandal in American history—the Watergate break-in. This Web site takes an in-depth look at the Washington Post's Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of this infamous story. From the first articles that detailed a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters to a reporter's perspective 25 years later, its all here. Go to this Web site to find out how the free press helped to topple the presidency of Richard Nixon.

Destination Title: Revisiting Watergate

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

Directions
Start at the Revisiting Watergate Web site.

Click on Chronology. Read through the site, clicking on each hyperlink to access the accompanying Post Story.
From the main menu, click on the Key Players topic to complete your research.
Browse through the stories, taking notes as you go.

After you have read through the information, answer the following questions.

1. What were some of the illegal activities of Nixon aides?

2. On what grounds did Nixon refuse to turn over subpoenaed tapes?

3. What major figures in the Nixon White House were convicted of illegal actions in connection with Watergate?

4. What were the grounds for impeachment of the president?

5. The Watergate break-in occurred in June 1972, but it wasn't until several months later that television reporters and many newspapers saw the relevance of the developments. On a separate sheet of paper, write a newspaper article that describes the role that the media played in exposing the illegal activities of the Nixon administration. How might things be different today if news reporters hadn't pursued their investigation?