Gerald Ford

Nixon Visits China

Feb 21, 1972

Opens diplomatic relations with China, shifting Cold War strategies.

U.S. Withdraws from Vietnam

Mar 29, 1973

Paris Peace Accords lead to the end of U.S. troop involvement.

Spiro Agnew

Oct 10, 1973

Richard Nixon's first vice president, Spiro Agnew, resigned on October 10, 1973. He left office after being charged with tax evasion and accepting bribes while he was governor of Maryland.

Gerald Ford VP

Dec 6, 1973

Gerald Ford became vice president after Spiro Agnew resigned in 1973. Nixon used the 25th Amendment, which allows a president to nominate a new vice president if the position is empty. Congress had to approve the choice. He became vice president on December 6, 1973.

Nixon resigns

Aug 8, 1974

On August 8, 1974, U.S. President Richard Nixon delivered a nationally-televised speech to the American public from the Oval Office announcing his intention to resign the presidency the following day due to the Watergate scandal.

Gerald Ford President

Aug 9, 1974

Gerald Ford became president after Richard Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974

Ford and Nixon

Sep 8, 1974

Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon on September 8, 1974. This meant Nixon would not face trial for any crimes related to the Watergate scandal.

Iranian Hostage Crisis

Nov 4, 1979

U.S. embassy in Tehran is stormed; 52 Americans are held hostage for 444 days.