Richard Nixon (1913 – 1994) was the 37th President of the United States. He was born in Yorba Linda California, attended Fullerton Union High School, and graduated from Whittier College. In congress, his reputation as a leading anti-communist (as a member of the House Un-American Activities Committee) elevated him to national prominence. While Nixon was in office, the United States landed astronauts on the Moon in 1969, with the flight of Apollo 11. Although Nixon initially escalated America's involvement in the Vietnam War, he subsequently ended U.S. involvement by 1973. On June 17, 1972, five men were caught breaking into Democratic party headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. This led to the infamous Watergate Scandal, which included an array of clandestine and often illegal activities undertaken by members of the Nixon administration, including bugging the offices of political opponents and the harassment of activist groups and political figures. In total, 48 officials were convicted of wrongdoing. In 1974, Nixon resigned in the face of almost certain impeachment and removal from office. After his resignation, he accepted a pardon issued by his successor, Gerald Ford. Following his resignation, the Nixons moved back to their home in San Clemente, California.
