Deep Throat

Definition

Deep Throat was the pseudonym given to the anonymous informant who provided crucial information to journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein during their investigation of the Watergate scandal in the early 1970s. This informant played a vital role in uncovering the truth behind the Nixon administration's involvement in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deep Throat's true identity was kept secret for over 30 years, until it was revealed in 2005 that he was Mark Felt, a high-ranking FBI official at the time.
2. Deep Throat provided Woodward and Bernstein with crucial information and guidance that helped them uncover the extent of the Nixon administration's involvement in the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up.
3. The name 'Deep Throat' was a reference to a popular pornographic film of the time, which was used as a code name to protect the informant's identity.
4. Deep Throat's information helped Woodward and Bernstein expose the abuse of power and corruption within the Nixon administration, leading to the president's resignation in 1974.
5. The Watergate scandal and the role of Deep Throat in it are considered a landmark event in the history of American journalism and the power of the press to hold government accountable.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of Deep Throat's role in the Watergate scandal.
  • Deep Throat's role was crucial in the Watergate scandal, as the anonymous informant provided crucial information and guidance to journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein that helped them uncover the extent of the Nixon administration's involvement in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up. Deep Throat's information was instrumental in exposing the abuse of power and corruption within the Nixon administration, ultimately leading to the president's resignation in 1974. The Watergate scandal and the role of Deep Throat in it are considered a landmark event in the history of American journalism and the power of the press to hold government accountable.
• Describe the relationship between Deep Throat, Woodward and Bernstein, and the Watergate scandal.
  • Deep Throat, the anonymous informant, provided crucial information and guidance to journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein during their investigation of the Watergate scandal. Woodward and Bernstein used Deep Throat's information to uncover the extent of the Nixon administration's involvement in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up. Deep Throat's identity was kept secret for over 30 years, until it was revealed in 2005 that he was Mark Felt, a high-ranking FBI official at the time. The relationship between Deep Throat, Woodward and Bernstein, and the Watergate scandal is considered a landmark event in the history of American journalism, demonstrating the power of the press to hold the government accountable.
• Analyze the lasting impact of the Watergate scandal and the role of Deep Throat in shaping the course of American politics and journalism.
  • The Watergate scandal and the role of Deep Throat in it had a profound and lasting impact on American politics and journalism. Deep Throat's information, provided to journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, was instrumental in exposing the abuse of power and corruption within the Nixon administration, ultimately leading to the president's resignation in 1974. This event is considered a landmark in the history of American journalism, demonstrating the power of the press to hold the government accountable. The Watergate scandal and the role of Deep Throat also had a significant impact on the public's trust in government and the political process, leading to increased scrutiny and oversight of the executive branch. Additionally, the Watergate scandal and the role of Deep Throat have had a lasting influence on the practice of investigative journalism, inspiring journalists to uncover the truth and hold those in power accountable, regardless of the personal or professional risks involved.

Related terms

Watergate Scandal:

The Watergate scandal was a major US political scandal in the 1970s that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. It involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up by the Nixon administration.

Woodward and Bernstein: Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were the two Washington Post journalists who investigated and reported on the Watergate scandal, ultimately leading to the downfall of President Nixon.

Nixon Administration: The Nixon administration refers to the presidency of Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, whose second term was cut short due to the Watergate scandal.