Richard Nixon resigned in August 1974 because Watergate made impeachment and removal almost certain. A month later, President Gerald Ford pardoned him for federal crimes connected to the scandal.

What happened next

After leaving office, Nixon mostly stayed out of public life for a while and focused on trying to rebuild his reputation. He later wrote books and gave interviews, but he never returned to elected office.

Later years

Nixon eventually reemerged as an elder statesman on some foreign-policy issues, though his legacy remained dominated by Watergate. He also had serious health problems in his final years and died in 1994.

Quick timeline

  • August 9, 1974: Nixon resigned.
  • September 8, 1974: Ford pardoned him.
  • Afterward: He lived privately, wrote, and occasionally advised on foreign affairs.

If you want, I can also give you the 30-second version or a more detailed Watergate timeline.