Ep 11. Nixon, Part 3

In the eleventh episode of season one of American Experience: The Presidents, entitled Nixon, Part 3, viewers are taken on a journey through the final years of Richard Nixon's presidency and the events that led to his eventual resignation. The episode begins with Nixon's re-election in 1972, a victory that would soon be overshadowed by the Watergate scandal.

Through a series of interviews with key political players and archival footage, the episode details the unraveling of the Nixon administration as the Watergate scandal unfolded. The episode explores the attempts made by Nixon and his team to cover up the illegal activities that took place within the White House, and the mounting pressure from the media and members of Congress to uncover the truth.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into Nixon's state of mind as he faced intense scrutiny over his involvement in the Watergate affair. The documentary examines the tapes that were secretly recorded in the Oval Office, revealing Nixon's deep-seated paranoia and his belief that he was being unfairly targeted by his political enemies.

As the evidence against Nixon mounted, the episode explores the efforts made by members of his own party to force him to resign. The documentary examines the pivotal role played by Senator Barry Goldwater, a one-time ally of Nixon who ultimately demanded his resignation in the face of overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing.

The episode concludes with Nixon's resignation in August of 1974, a moment that marked the end of one of the most tumultuous presidencies in American history. The documentary examines the legacy of Nixon's presidency, and the lasting impact that Watergate had on the American political landscape.

Overall, American Experience: The Presidents season one episode eleven provides a detailed and insightful exploration of one of the most defining moments in American political history. Through a combination of interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the episode offers a nuanced and comprehensive look at the events that led to Richard Nixon's downfall and the lasting impact of the Watergate scandal on American politics.