key term - Break-in

Definition

A break-in refers to the unauthorized entry into a building or premises with the intent to commit an illegal act, such as theft or espionage. In the context of the Watergate Scandal, the break-in involved members of the Nixon administration attempting to wiretap and gather intelligence on the Democratic National Committee headquarters, highlighting issues of political corruption and abuse of power at the highest levels of government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters took place on June 17, 1972, when five men were arrested for attempting to plant listening devices.
2. The break-in was part of a larger scheme to spy on political opponents and was initially linked to members of Nixon's re-election campaign.
3. After the break-in was uncovered, it triggered a series of investigations that revealed widespread abuses of power within Nixon's administration.
4. The cover-up efforts following the break-in included attempts to intimidate witnesses and destroy evidence, which ultimately led to greater scrutiny from Congress and the media.
5. The Watergate scandal resulted in President Nixon's resignation on August 8, 1974, making him the first U.S. president to resign from office due to a scandal.

Review Questions

• How did the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters illustrate issues of political corruption within Nixon's administration?
  • The break-in was a direct attempt by members of Nixon's administration to gain an unfair advantage in the 1972 presidential election through illegal means. This act highlighted a willingness among some officials to engage in corrupt practices for political gain. The subsequent revelations about the planning and execution of the break-in raised serious questions about ethics and integrity within government operations.
• Discuss the consequences of the Watergate break-in on public trust in government institutions.
  • The Watergate break-in severely damaged public trust in government institutions, as it exposed systemic corruption and abuse of power within the Nixon administration. As details emerged regarding not only the break-in but also subsequent cover-up attempts, many Americans felt disillusioned and betrayed by their leaders. This loss of faith in government set a precedent for increased skepticism towards political figures and calls for transparency and accountability.
• Evaluate how the break-in and its aftermath changed the landscape of American politics in terms of accountability and oversight.
  • The Watergate break-in and its fallout led to significant changes in American politics regarding accountability and oversight. The scandal prompted reforms aimed at limiting executive power and increasing checks on governmental authority. For example, new laws were enacted to enhance campaign finance regulations and improve transparency in political funding. Additionally, it resulted in greater investigative powers for Congress, which redefined the relationship between branches of government and underscored the importance of oversight to prevent similar abuses of power in the future.

Related terms

Watergate:

The name of the complex in Washington, D.C., where the break-in occurred, which later became synonymous with the political scandal involving President Nixon's administration.

cover-up: The efforts by members of Nixon's administration to conceal their involvement in the break-in and subsequent illegal activities, which led to a major constitutional crisis.

impeachment:

The process by which a sitting president can be charged with misconduct and potentially removed from office, a consequence faced by Nixon due to his involvement in the Watergate scandal.