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jun 17, 1972 - Watergate break in

Description:

-Watergate complex: office of Democratic National Committee

-phones wiretapped + documents stolen (wiretaps had failed so burglars returned)

-other activities of Nixon administration: bugging offices, FBI + CIA investigation of political figures + activist groups (ordered by Nixon - illegal espionage, aggressive)

-context: hostile political climate (Vietnam War, country deeply divided)

-Nixon initially denied involvement of White House, & tried to cover it up: bribes, CIA to impede FBI investigation (deliberate obstruction of justice), tried to protect tapes/delayed turning them over when ordered, etc

Added to timeline:

Date:

jun 17, 1972
Now
~ 53 years ago