Question 1: After World War II, the United States experienced significant political and social change. By the early 1970s, political scandals such as Watergate threatened public trust in government. Watergate began with the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972 and led to President Nixon's resignation in 1974. Understanding this scandal helps explain shifts in American politics and accountability.

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Question 1: When did the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters occur?

Answer: June 17, 1972

Question 2: Who was the President of the United States during the Watergate scandal?

Answer: Richard Nixon

Question 3: Which organization was primarily targeted during the Watergate break-in?

Answer: Democratic National Committee

Question 4: What was the main purpose of the Watergate cover-up?

Answer: To conceal the involvement of President Nixon's administration in the break-in and prevent scandal.

Question 5: In what year did President Nixon resign from office?

Answer: 1974

Question 1: Source: 'The Watergate scandal revealed the extent of corruption within the Nixon administration, leading to widespread distrust in government.' What can you infer about the purpose of this source?

Answer: It aims to explain the significance of Watergate and its impact on public trust in government.

Question 2: Who is the likely audience for this source?

Answer: Students, historians, or the general public interested in American political scandals.

Question 3: Evaluate the reliability of this source. What biases might it have?

Answer: It appears to be a secondary source with an objective tone, but it may emphasize the scandal's negative impact, reflecting a possibly critical perspective.

Question 1: Explain why the Watergate scandal led to President Nixon's resignation.

Answer: The scandal uncovered illegal activities and a cover-up orchestrated by Nixon's administration, which eroded public trust and led to impeachment proceedings, forcing Nixon to resign to avoid removal from office.

Question 2: Describe how the Watergate scandal impacted American political culture.

Answer: It increased skepticism towards government officials, led to reforms to improve political accountability, and heightened the importance of investigative journalism.

Question 3: Explain the role of the media in uncovering Watergate.

Answer: Investigative journalists, notably Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of The Washington Post, played a crucial role in uncovering evidence of illegal activities and pressuring authorities to investigate further.

Question 1: To what extent was the Watergate scandal a turning point in American political history?

Answer: Model answer: The Watergate scandal was a significant turning point because it exposed abuses of power at the highest level, led to reforms that increased transparency and accountability, and changed public perceptions of government. However, some argue its effects were limited to the political elite and did not fundamentally overhaul institutions. Overall, it marked a shift towards greater skepticism and oversight in American politics.

Question 2: How far do you agree that Watergate was primarily caused by political corruption?

Answer: Model answer: While political corruption played a significant role, other factors such as Cold War tensions, political rivalry, and the investigative journalistic efforts also contributed. A balanced view recognizes that corruption was a key factor but not the sole cause of Watergate, which was also shaped by broader political and social dynamics.