Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency on August 8, 1974, primarily due to the Watergate scandal, which involved a complex web of political espionage, cover-ups, and abuses of power. The scandal began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., in June 1972, and subsequent attempts to cover up the administration's involvement in the incident.
As investigations progressed, it was revealed that Nixon and his aides had attempted to obstruct justice by attempting to conceal their involvement in the break-in and related illegal activities. The scandal escalated, leading to televised hearings and significant public outcry.
In July 1974, the House Judiciary Committee approved articles of impeachment against Nixon for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. Facing inevitable impeachment by the House of Representatives and a strong possibility of conviction in the Senate, Nixon chose to resign to avoid the consequences of these actions, making him the first U.S. president to resign from office. His resignation marked a significant moment in American political history, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the rule of law.