Nixon Administrations - Introduction

Introduction

Few figures in U.S. history have been as controversial as Richard Nixon. A passionate and aggressive politician, Nixon came to national attention first as a representative and senator, and then as vice president to Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1961. In that time, Nixon established a reputation for ruthless campaigning, anticommunism, and foreign policy expertise. Seemingly finished after electoral defeats in 1960 and 1962, Nixon made a remarkable political comeback to capture the presidency in 1968. As president Nixon enjoyed many successes, particularly in foreign affairs, but the scandalous actions of Nixon and his supporters in the election of 1972 led to his resignation in disgrace.