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Richard Nixon

Nixon's resignation, 40 years later

USAToday

Forty years ago, on Aug. 8, 1974, President Richard M. Nixon announced he would resign the presidency the following day, becoming the first American president to do so.

Richard Nixon waves goodbye from the White House on Aug. 9, 1974, after resigning the presidency.

USA TODAY Network looks back at key facts, figures and images from the scandal that changed American history.

The Watergate complex in Washington
There are 3,700 hours of recordings in the Nixon White House tapes.
Justice William Rehnquist recused himself from the case.
President Nixon meets with Gerald Ford in the Oval Office.
Nixon addresses the nation, explaining he will resign the presidency effective the following day.
A photo of the last meal Nixon had as president in the White House.
Felt died in 2008.
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