37th President of the United States

Richard Nixon | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : March 16, 2025

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Who is Richard Nixon?

Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, is a complex figure in American history, known for his significant political career and the controversies that ultimately led to his resignation. Born on January 9, 1913, in Yorba Linda, California, Nixon rose from humble beginnings and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He entered politics as a Republican congressman and quickly established himself as a fervent anti-Communist, famously participating in the prosecution of former State Department official Alger Hiss. Nixon's political journey included serving as Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower before making his bid for the presidency.

Nixon’s first attempt to secure the presidency came in 1960, where he narrowly lost to John F. Kennedy. However, he successfully won the election in 1968 against Hubert Humphrey, campaigning on promises to restore law and order amid the turmoil of the Vietnam War, civil rights movements, and societal changes. Nixon's presidency saw significant domestic accomplishments, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and progress in civil rights policy. However, his legacy became tainted by the Watergate scandal, which uncovered illegal activities and cover-ups, leading to his resignation in 1974, making him the first U.S. president to step down from office.

Early Life and Education

Richard Milhous Nixon was born on January 9, 1913, in Yorba Linda, California, into a family that faced significant challenges. He was the second of five children in a modest household, with his father being a service station owner and grocer, and his mother instilling Quaker values in him. Nixon later described his upbringing, saying, “We were poor, but the glory of it was we didn’t know it.” The family experienced deep personal tragedy with the loss of two of his brothers, which profoundly impacted Nixon’s life and outlook.

Nixon attended Fullerton High School before transferring to Whittier High School, where he excelled academically, graduating second in his class. Despite receiving a scholarship to Harvard, financial constraints prevented him from attending. Instead, he enrolled at Whittier College, a Quaker institution, where he became known for his debating skills and involvement in drama. After graduating in 1934, Nixon continued his studies on a full scholarship to Duke University Law School, where he honed his legal acumen, setting the stage for his future in politics.

Political Career: From U.S. Congress to Vice Presidency

Richard Nixon's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 1946, representing a district in California. As a congressman, he distinguished himself as a fervent anti-Communist, gaining national recognition for his role in the Alger Hiss case while serving on the House Un-American Activities Committee. His aggressive pursuit of Hiss, a prominent State Department official accused of espionage, solidified Nixon's reputation as a staunch defender of American interests during the Cold War. By promoting his anti-Communist stance and showcasing his internationalist approach to foreign policy, he quickly climbed the political ladder.

In 1950, Nixon was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he continued to build on his political prowess. His successful campaign tactics often involved daring strategies, including the questionable use of pink flyers to label his opponent as a communist sympathizer. In 1952, Nixon was selected as Dwight D. Eisenhower's running mate and became Vice President. Despite dealing with significant challenges during this time, including illness within the Eisenhower administration, Nixon used his position to expand the role of the vice presidency. He became instrumental in promoting significant legislative efforts, particularly around civil rights, while also making high-profile international trips that bolstered his visibility as a potential presidential candidate.

Vice Presidency and Campaign for Presidency

Richard Nixon’s vice presidency under Dwight D. Eisenhower marked a significant phase in his political career. Elected as the 37th vice president in 1952, Nixon cultivated a robust reputation as an anti-Communist advocate. His role was amplified during Eisenhower’s health crises, which allowed Nixon to manage high-stakes sessions and help advance crucial legislation, including the 1957 Civil Rights Bill. Nixon’s international goodwill tours, including a controversial trip to Venezuela and the 1959 "Kitchen Debate" with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, further raised his profile. However, beneath the successes lay the seeds for future political challenges, particularly as he grappled with his image during televised debates.

In 1960, Nixon's ambition brought him back to the national stage as he campaigned for the presidency against Democratic nominee John F. Kennedy. Nixon had the advantage of experience but faced a youthful Kennedy, whose charisma captivated voters. The 1960 election became a pivotal moment in U.S. history, showcasing the influence of television on politics. The series of debates revealed Nixon’s lack of preparation and visual appeal compared to his opponent. Although the election was closely contested, Nixon ultimately lost, securing 219 electoral votes to Kennedy’s 303. His dignity in defeat, despite suspicions of voter fraud, established a precedent for future candidates to follow in accepting election outcomes gracefully.

Nixon Presidency: Policies and Foreign Affairs

During his presidency, Richard Nixon adopted a pragmatic approach to domestic policies, often balancing the interests of conflicting political factions. He introduced "New Federalism," allowing more locally controlled desegregation to avoid confrontation while adhering to national mandates, significantly reducing the number of all-Black schools in the South. Nixon also championed women's rights by creating a Presidential Task Force on Women's Rights and advocating for the prosecution of sex discrimination in the workplace. However, his ambitious Family Assistance Plan faced widespread criticism and opposition, leading to its eventual failure. Despite these challenges, Nixon's administration did enact landmark legislation focused on enhancing civil liberties.

On the foreign affairs front, Nixon is perhaps best remembered for his strategy of détente, which aimed to ease the tensions of the Cold War through diplomatic engagement with both China and the Soviet Union. He shocked the world with his historic visit to China in 1972, breaking decades of isolation and promoting peace in the region. Nixon's administration also focused on arms control, culminating in the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) with the Soviets. While his approach to Vietnam, characterized by "Vietnamization," sought to shift combat responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces, it sparked significant domestic unrest. Overall, Nixon's foreign policy achievements were critical in reshaping international relations during a fraught period in American history.

Watergate Scandal and Resignation

The Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to Richard Nixon's resignation, began with a seemingly insignificant break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters located in the Watergate office complex. On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic headquarters, and evidence soon surfaced linking the men to Nixon’s re-election campaign, known as the Committee to Re-Elect the President (CREEP). Investigative reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of The Washington Post played crucial roles in uncovering the scandal, leading to greater scrutiny of the Nixon administration and its conduct during the campaign.

As investigations unfolded, it became clear that the Nixon administration was involved in a cover-up aimed at concealing its connections to the break-in. The situation escalated to a national crisis as the Senate began hearings, and Nixon's televised claims of innocence began to erode under mounting evidence. The turning point came with the revelation of secret tape recordings that documented Nixon's involvement in the cover-up. Facing the prospect of an inevitable impeachment and conviction, Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to resign from office on August 8, 1974, a historical moment that underscored the limits of presidential power and the importance of accountability in government.

Personal Life: Married Life | Wife | Children

Richard Nixon married Thelma Catherine "Pat" Ryan on June 21, 1940. The couple's relationship blossomed after they met while working together in a community theater production, which laid the foundation for their enduring partnership. Pat Nixon was known for her supportive role during Nixon's political career, often participating in campaign events and public appearances. She was a steadfast companion, providing a sense of stability and normalcy amid the turbulent political sphere that often engulfed Nixon.

Together, Richard and Pat Nixon had two daughters, Patricia "Tricia" Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The family maintained a relatively private life, especially during Nixon's presidency. Tricia, the elder, became involved in various charitable organizations and later married Edward Eisenhower, the grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Julie, on the other hand, pursued a successful career in media and is known for her philanthropic work. The strong bond within the Nixon family remained a significant aspect of Richard Nixon's later life, particularly during his time in retirement and after Pat's passing in 1993.

Net Worth and Earning: Earning

Richard Nixon's financial landscape evolved significantly throughout his life, particularly in relation to his political career and post-presidency endeavors. During his time in office, Nixon earned an annual salary of $200,000 as president, a standard rate at the time. However, this amount was supplemented by various speaking engagements and consulting opportunities after his resignation in 1974. He capitalized on his extensive political experience, successfully earning millions through book deals, including his memoir “RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon,” which became a bestseller and further solidified his financial status.

In addition to his writing and public speaking, Nixon also engaged in international consulting, advising on foreign matters given his expertise and global connections. By the time of his death in 1994, his net worth was estimated to be several million dollars, a testament to his ability to leverage his political background into lucrative post-political ventures. Despite the controversies surrounding his presidency, Nixon managed to carve out a stable financial position through strategic engagements, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of significant public scrutiny.