Richard Nixon

Richard Milhous Nixon (January 9, 1913 - April 22, 1994) served as the 37th President of the United States from January 20, 1969, until his resignation on August 9, 1974, the only American president to resign from office. His administration reduced American involvement in the Vietnam War while pursuing improved relations with both communist powers, most notably his 1972 visit to China that opened the path to diplomatic recognition, and his finalization of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with the Soviet Union; domestically his presidency saw the Apollo 11 Moon landing, the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, and ratification of the Twenty-sixth Amendment lowering the voting age to 18. His second term was consumed by the Watergate scandal, which began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee's offices ordered by administration officials; as revelations of the cover-up eroded his support in Congress and the country and impeachment became increasingly likely, he resigned rather than face removal, and his successor, Gerald Ford, granted him a controversial pardon.