The Watergate scandal was a major political scandal in the United States that occurred during the administration of President Richard Nixon from 1972 to 1974 and led to Nixons resignation. The scandal involved the Nixon administrations attempts to cover up its involvement in the June 17, 1972, break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., at the Watergate Office Building. The scandal was revealed following the arrest of five burglars at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. The Watergate scandal led to the indictment of 69 people and the conviction of 48 people, many of whom were top Nixon administration officials. The term "Watergate" came to encompass an array of clandestine and often illegal activities undertaken by members of the Nixon administration, including bugging the offices of political opponents and people of whom Nixon or his officials were suspicious, ordering investigations of activist groups and political figures, and more.

The Watergate scandal had a profound impact on the United States, leading to changes in campaign finance reform and a more aggressive attitude by the media. The scandal also ushered in a new era of political cynicism and mistrust in government.