Watergate Scandal

Who:
Those involved in the famous Watergate scandal that brought down Nixon's presidency in shame include, obviously, President Nixon as well as several burglars. These burglars were members of Nixon’s Committee to Re-Elect the President (known derisively as CREEP). The FBI investigated this scandal. Young reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein investigated as well and uncovered many details of the scandal.

What:
The burglars broke into the Democratic National Committee’s Watergate headquarters to steal copies of top-secret documents and bug the office’s phones. While it is unknown as to whether Nixon knew about the break in before it happened, he tried to cover it up after. He tried to instruct the CIA to impede the FBIs investigation of the scandal. When it was discovered that Nixon was being untruthful the whole ordeal blew up in his face.
When:
The break-in occurred on June 17, 1972. In July 1973 evidence caught up with the President and his administration. Early in 1974, the cover-up began to fall apart. The president eventually resigned on August 9, 1974 so that he would not be the only President to be impeached.

Where:
The robbery took place at the headquarters for the Democratic National Committee. This is located at the Watergate office complex in Washington, DC.

Why:
The Committee to Re-Elect the President stole top secret documents and bugged the phones. Nixon's motive was to learn the campaign strategies of the Democrats running against him. Additionally, the burglars were looking for incriminating documents to have on the Democratic party.