Richard Nixon
Who was Richard Nixon?
President of the United States from 1969 to 1974 (1913–1994)
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Richard Nixon (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Richard Milhous Nixon was born on January 9, 1913, to a humble Quaker family in Yorba Linda, California. He attended local schools, including Whittier High School and Fullerton Union High School, and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Whittier College in 1934. Nixon studied law at Duke University School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctor in 1937. After a short stint practicing law in California, he married Pat Ryan in 1940 and moved to Washington, D.C., in 1942 to work for the federal government before serving in the Naval Reserve during World War II.
Nixon's political career began in 1946 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. His work on the Alger Hiss espionage case made him a notable anti-communist figure. In 1950, he was elected to the U.S. Senate and later became Dwight D. Eisenhower's running mate in 1952, serving as the 36th Vice President from 1953 to 1961. After narrowly losing the 1960 presidential election to John F. Kennedy and losing the 1962 California gubernatorial race, Nixon briefly stepped away from politics.
He returned to national politics in 1968, winning the presidency and becoming the 37th President of the United States. His time in office saw key domestic and foreign policy actions, like the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Apollo 11 moon landing, and major diplomatic strides with China and the Soviet Union. Nixon aimed to ease tensions with communist countries while gradually reducing U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War by slowly withdrawing troops.
Nixon's presidency was ultimately tarnished by the Watergate scandal, starting with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972 that led to a deep crisis involving abuse of power and obstruction of justice. Facing likely impeachment, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, becoming the only U.S. president to do so. In his later years, he wrote memoirs and books on foreign policy, gradually rebuilding his reputation as a knowledgeable elder statesman and foreign policy expert until he passed away in Manhattan on April 22, 1994.
Before Fame
Nixon grew up during the Great Depression in a struggling Quaker family that ran a small grocery store and gas station. His father, Frank Nixon, was often harsh and volatile, while his mother, Hannah Milhous Nixon, provided stability through her strong Quaker faith. The family faced financial hardship and personal tragedy, losing two of Nixon's brothers to illness. Despite these challenges, Nixon did well in school and was known for his debating skills and hard work.
After finishing law school, Nixon went back to Whittier to practice law at a local firm, where he handled routine legal cases and took part in community theater. He had bigger ambitions than a small-town law practice, and World War II gave him a chance for broader experience. He served as a supply officer in the Pacific Theater, earning several commendations. After the war, local Republican leaders encouraged him to run for Congress, starting his political career at age 33.
Key Achievements
- Opened diplomatic relations with Communist China in 1972
- Negotiated the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I) with the Soviet Union
- Established the Environmental Protection Agency and signed landmark environmental legislation
- Successfully concluded American involvement in the Vietnam War
- Implemented revenue sharing and other domestic policy reforms
Did You Know?
- 01.Nixon was an accomplished pianist who considered pursuing a career in music before choosing law
- 02.He was nicknamed 'Iron Butt' by fellow naval officers for his skill at poker during World War II
- 03.Nixon's famous 'Checkers Speech' in 1952 was watched by 60 million Americans, one of the largest television audiences at that time
- 04.He was the first president to visit all 50 states while in office
- 05.Nixon installed a secret recording system in the White House that ultimately contributed to his downfall
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| American Campaign Medal | — | — |
| Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal | — | — |