BONUS: Why Didn't Nixon Destroy the Watergate Tapes?

August 16

10 mins

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Episode Description

In this bonus episode, UCL's Professor Iwan Morgan, author of Nixon, discusses why the President refused to destroy the Oval Office tapes - the most incriminating piece of evidence that ultimately led to his resignation from the White House.

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Special guest for this episode:

Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America

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Highlights from this episode:

Nixon's downfall was significantly influenced by his desire to maintain a favorable legacy, which ironically led to his undoing.
The investigation into Watergate involved many key figures beyond Woodward and Bernstein, including the FBI and Congress.
Nixon's reluctance to destroy the incriminating tapes stemmed from his aspirations for greatness and historical legacy.
The role of the FBI in uncovering the Watergate scandal was crucial, as they were pivotal in tracing the hush money involved.
Deep Throat's identity remained a secret for over thirty years, revealing the complexities of the investigation into Watergate.
Ultimately, Nixon's actions during the Watergate scandal overshadowed his significant achievements in foreign policy and environmental protection.

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Additional Resources:

Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan

President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize

John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History

Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente

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