Smoking What did the smoking gun tape reveal?
As a result of this ruling, Nixon was compelled to release what became known as the “smoking gun” tape of June 23, 1972, which showed that he had engaged in an obstruction of justice relating to investigation of the Watergate burglary six days earlier.
Why do you think this tape is called the smoking gun?
The phrase originally came from the idea that finding a very recently fired (hence smoking) gun on the person of a suspect wanted for shooting someone would in that situation be nearly unshakable proof of having committed the crime.
What did the Watergate tapes reveal?
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Nixon must release the Oval Office tapes to government investigators. The tapes revealed that Nixon had conspired to cover up activities that took place after the break-in and had attempted to use federal officials to deflect the investigation.
Who revealed the Watergate tapes?
Butterfield voluntarily revealed his role in “the 350” to United States Attorneys shortly after leaving the White House in March 1973. Butterfield also played a very limited role in some of the surveillance conducted by the Nixon White House.
What happened to Richard Nixon?
By late 1973, the Watergate scandal escalated, costing Nixon much of his political support. On August 9, 1974, he resigned in the face of almost certain impeachment and removal from office—the only time an American president has done so.
What happened at Watergate?
On June 17, 1972, police arrested burglars in the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. Evidence linked the break-in to President Richard Nixon’s re-election campaign.
Who went to jail for Watergate and for how long?
The original Watergate Seven and their legal dispositions were: G. Gordon Liddy — former FBI agent and general counsel for the Committee to Re-elect the President; convicted of burglary, conspiracy, and wiretapping; sentenced to 6 years and 8 months in prison; served 4½ years in prison.
What did Richard Nixon do to get impeached?
The articles charged Nixon with: 1) obstruction of justice in attempting to impede the investigation of the Watergate break-in, protect those responsible, and conceal the existence of other illegal activities; 2) abuse of power by using the office of the presidency on multiple occasions, dating back to the first year …
Why did Nixon go to court?
Issued on July 24, 1974, the decision was important to the late stages of the Watergate scandal, when there was an ongoing impeachment process against Richard Nixon. … Burger, Blackmun, and Powell were appointed to the Court by Nixon during his first term.
When did the public find out about Watergate?
Early on the morning of June 17, 1972, five men broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate hotel and office complex in Washington, D.C. A security guard discovered the team and alerted the metro police, who arrested the burglars, who carried more than $3,500 in cash and high-end …
What did the White House tapes reveal quizlet?
What did the “White House tapes” reveal? the burglary at Democratic headquarters was simply a third-rate caper, and no one on the White House staff had been involved. President Nixon had ordered a cover-up in the Watergate affair. … President Nixon had ordered a cover-up in the Watergate affair.