Weekly Online Lesson Online Lesson Archive Grade Level: 8-12 Subject: History/Journalism

30 Years After Watergate

30 years after the break-in and ensuing scandal that ended the Nixon presidency, debate over the legacy of Watergate continues. One of the greatest journalistic mysteries of all times — the identity of insider-informant Deep Throat — likewise continues.

The scandal began with an early morning break-in of the Democratic National Committee offices by CIA operatives on June 17, 1972. The offices were at Washington DC's elegant Watergate Hotel. An investigation of the break-in led directly to the reelection campaign of President Richard M. Nixon and unraveled a web of political spying and sabotage, bribery and the illegal use of campaign funds.

Investigative reporting by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward of the Washington Post, and congressional hearings into the cover-up, led to Nixon's resignation two years later.

This week's online lesson takes a look back at the Watergate crisis and a look at investigative reporting then and now.

Watergate.info

For a good introduction and comprehensive of the "scandal that destroyed President Richard Nixon," visit Watergate.info. For an overview of what happened, simply read the paragraphs under each heading on the home page. After reading, name the role in the scandal played by each of the following people: Frank Wills, Eugenio Martinez, Deep Throat, John Dean, Gerald Ford.

Now click Background on the left. This page introduces the Nixon first term as president and gives a backdrop for the scandal. Who were the "Plumbers" and what was their mission? What was installed in the Oval Office around 1971? Name several people on Nixon's "hate list."

Click 1972 under Chronology. This page touches on the events that touched off the scandal. Note that an initial investigation by White House attorney John Dean found that no one from the White House was involved.

Click 1973 and read these events, starting with the trial of the Watergate Seven. Some of the dates have links to documents or audio clips. What did the White House announce on April 17? Whom did Nixon fire (dismiss) on April 30? What did John Dean testify before the Senate Watergate Committee on June 25? Why do you think Nixon refused to hand over any tapes or documents? Describe the Saturday Night Massacre. What was discovered on one of the gaps on November 21?

Click 1974. Where did the term "expletive deleted" come from? When did impeachment hearings begin? Which tape became known as The Smoking Gun, and what information did it contain? How many days after the release of the "smoking gun" tape did Nixon resign? Read or listen to Nixon's resignation speech. In his words, why did he resign his presidency? What did newly sworn president Gerald Ford do on September 8?

Before leaving this site, click and read Political Values. The federal government is a system of checks and balances on power. This pages summarizes some of the powers and checks on power that came into play in light of this scandal. Do you believe Watergate is an example of how the system works, or do you believe it reveals a breakdown in the system?

Watergate 25

On the 25th anniversary of Watergate, the Washington Post published a special online "package" commemorating the event (Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein won the Washington Post the Pulitzer prize for investigative reporting). Watergate 25 is still available online, and is still an excellent overview of the events and people surrounding the scandal, this time from the perspective of investigative journalism. Read the introductory page about the CIA burglary that started a political avalanche, and continue reading about the contents of the site.

Click Watergate Chronology. You already know the timetable highlights, but this chronology comes complete with actual stories from the Washington Post. Review the chronology, and this time click and read the news reports of the events you believe to be most significant.

Woodward and Bernstein were provided background information by a man (or person) "holding an extremely sensitive position in the executive branch. The person was named Deep Throat by Post managing editor Howard Simons. His identity remains a mystery today. Who could it have been? Click Deep Throat to read about the mystery, and then click The FBI Theory, The CIA Theory, and The White House Theory to see who it may have been.

Note that on the 30th anniversary of the scandal, students of Professor William Gaines of the University of Illinois have their own theory. Read about it in this Dateline report.

For one final stop, consider the role of investigative journalism in the Watergate affair. Click and read The Post and Watergate. How did Watergate make Woodward and Bernstein famous and usher in an era of celebrity journalism? What was the atmosphere like at the Post during the Watergate years? Click and read any of the links on the left that interest you, particularly Bradlee and Woodward answering reader's questions. What would you say is the role of a free press in America's checks and balances government?

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