Nixon resigned from office in August 1974 following the Watergate scandal. The scandal began in 1972 with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate office complex, and escalated when it was revealed that members of Nixon's administration had been involved in covering up the break-in and other illegal activities. As evidence of Nixon's involvement in the cover-up became public, support for him eroded and he faced an impeachment inquiry. Faced with almost certain impeachment and removal from office, Nixon chose to resign in order to avoid further damage to the presidency and the country.
