President Richard Nixon and the Watergate Break-In: A Mystery Begins on June 17

June 17 is a famous and serious day in U.S. presidential history — it’s the date in 1972 when five men were caught breaking into an office building called Watergate in Washington, D.C.

At first, most people thought it was just a small, strange crime. But soon, reporters and investigators found out that the men were connected to the people working to re-elect President Richard Nixon. This event started a massive investigation that lasted for two years! It eventually showed that people in the government had tried to hide the truth about what happened.

Because of what started on this day, Richard Nixon eventually became the only president in American history to resign (quit) his job. It was a difficult time for the country, but it proved that in America, everyone—even the president—must follow the law.

Who Was Richard Nixon? Quick Bio for Kids

Richard Nixon was the 37th President of the United States (1969–1974). He was a very smart man who worked hard to help America get along better with other big countries.

Before the Watergate trouble, Nixon had some big successes:

• The Moon Landing: He was the president who talked to the astronauts on the moon for the very first time!
• Opening Doors to China: He was the first president to visit China, which helped our two countries start talking and trading again.
• Helping the Earth: He created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help keep our air and water clean.
• Ending a War: He worked to bring American soldiers home from the Vietnam War.

Nixon loved football, played the piano very well, and had a famous dog named Checkers.

What Happened on June 17, 1972?

• The Security Guard: A brave security guard named Frank Wills noticed a piece of tape on a door lock. He called the police, which is how the burglars were caught!
• The Watergate Complex: The break-in happened at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, which is located in a group of buildings called Watergate.
• The Secret Tapes: Later, it was discovered that President Nixon had a secret recording system in the Oval Office that taped his conversations. These tapes eventually told the whole story.
• A Change in Leadership: After Nixon resigned in 1974, his Vice President, Gerald Ford, became the new president to help the country heal.

Fun Facts About Richard Nixon and June 17 for Kids

• Bowling Fan: Nixon loved bowling so much that he had a one-lane bowling alley built under the White House!
• An Important Lesson: The Watergate story is why many scandals today have names that end in "-gate" (like "Deflategate" in sports).
• Hard Worker: When Nixon was a kid, he used to get up at 4:00 a.m. to drive to the market to get fresh vegetables for his family’s store before going to school.
• The "Great Healer": President Gerald Ford, who took over after Nixon, famously said, "Our long national nightmare is over," once the investigation was finished.

Why June 17 Is Important in Presidential History

This day reminds us that honesty is one of the most important traits a leader can have. While Richard Nixon did many good things for the world, the events that started on June 17 showed that the American people expect their leaders to tell the truth. It teaches us that our system of government has "checks and balances" to make sure that no one person is more powerful than the law. It’s a day to remember that being a leader is a big responsibility that requires trust.

What do you think?

• If you were a reporter, what questions would you ask a leader to make sure they are telling the truth?
• Do you want to learn more about the technology used in the 1970s or the story of the brave security guard who noticed the tape?