The Saturday Night Massacre refers to a pivotal event during the Watergate scandal on October 20, 1973, when President Richard Nixon ordered the firing of special prosecutor Archibald Cox. This drastic action set off a chain of events that led to widespread public outrage, as it appeared to be an attempt by Nixon to obstruct justice and cover up his administration's involvement in the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up efforts.
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Nixon's order to fire Cox was carried out by Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus, both of whom resigned rather than execute the order.
The event was seen as a blatant attempt by Nixon to undermine the investigation into his administration's actions related to Watergate.
The Saturday Night Massacre intensified calls for Nixon's impeachment and contributed significantly to the erosion of public trust in his presidency.
In response to public outrage, Congress initiated further investigations into the Watergate scandal following the event.
The term 'Saturday Night Massacre' reflects not only the specific event but also symbolizes Nixon's broader strategy of using executive power to challenge judicial authority.
Review Questions
What were the immediate consequences of the Saturday Night Massacre for Nixon's presidency and public perception?
The immediate consequences of the Saturday Night Massacre included significant public outrage and a major decline in Nixon's approval ratings. Many viewed his actions as an attempt to obstruct justice, leading to heightened calls for accountability and impeachment. This event galvanized public sentiment against Nixon, marking a turning point in how his administration was perceived amid the ongoing Watergate scandal.
How did the Saturday Night Massacre affect congressional actions regarding the Watergate investigation?
Following the Saturday Night Massacre, Congress responded by intensifying its investigation into the Watergate scandal. The event prompted Congressional committees to hold hearings and subpoena documents related to Nixon’s actions. This greater scrutiny contributed to mounting pressure on Nixon, ultimately leading to more detailed investigations that uncovered further abuses of power within his administration.
Evaluate the long-term implications of the Saturday Night Massacre on American political norms and executive power.
The Saturday Night Massacre had profound long-term implications on American political norms and the balance of executive power. It underscored the importance of accountability and transparency in government, leading to a renewed emphasis on checks and balances among branches of government. The event also established a precedent that restricted presidential powers, reinforcing the notion that no president is above the law, which has influenced subsequent discussions about executive authority in modern politics.
A major political scandal involving the Nixon administration, centered around the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up efforts.
The special prosecutor appointed to investigate the Watergate scandal, who was ultimately fired during the Saturday Night Massacre.
Impeachment: The process by which a sitting president can be charged with misconduct; the Watergate scandal led to impeachment proceedings against Nixon.