Includes bibliographical references (pages 101) and index.

Richard M. Nixon was the first president ever to resign from office. He lost his first run for president in 1960 by a paper-thin margin to John F. Kennedy. In his second run in 1968, he was elected on a pledge to end the war in Vietnam. He reduced American involvement in the war and was re-elected to a second term in 1972. Soon after, a treaty ended U.S. participation in Vietnam. He later visited China, beginning restoration of relations with the Communist superpower. At home, Nixon supported legislation to protect the environment and a plan to improve Americans' health insurance. His presidency was ended by the Watergate affair, a series of scandals that began with a break-in at Democratic offices involving his campaign staff. When it was revealed that Nixon personally tried to cover up the Watergate affair, he faced impeachment. Rather than stand trial in Congress, he resigned on August 9, 1974. Includes color illustrations, a timeline, boxed features on events and people of special interest, and lively text introducing the featured president and the times in which he lived.