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The Whiskey Ring
An organized group of whiskey distillers began to defraud the federal government on taxes in 1875. A member of Grant's administration, including his secretary, accepted bribes from distillers to avoid paying federal taxes as part of the Whiskey Ring Scandal. This caused the nation to grow weary of Reconstruction, resulting in Grant's resignation after the Compromise of 1877. "Having established the fact that frauds were general in the management of the large distilleries"(Boynton 289). -
"Ma, ma where's my pa" Scandal
One of the dirtiest presidential elections in American history occurred in 1884. The candidates were Grover Cleveland and James G. Blaine. When 35-year-old Maria Halpin stated that Grover Cleveland was the father of her son. Despite Cleveland's private immorality and Blaine's alleged abuse of public office, some Americans considered them to be separate issues, but the charge was damaging, fueled by rumors, and brought even more scandalous behavior. "Ma, ma where's my Pa?" -
Teapot Dome Scandal
Secret leasing of federal oil reserves was involved in the teapot dome scandal. President Harding transferred the control of the naval oil reserve lands to the Department of Interior in 1921. Federal government corruption and greed had reached high levels, which shocked American citizens. “If you knew of a great scandal in our administration, would you for the good of the country and the party expose it publicly or would you bury it?” (Herbert Hoover). -
Chappaquiddick Incident
The drowning of Mary Jo Kopechne, near a bridge leading to Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts on the night of July 18, 1969, hurt Kennedy's chances of becoming president. While Kopechne was found dead in her car the next morning, Kennedy claimed to have tried to save her, but at least 10 hours passed before he notified police about the incident. For the rest of his life, Kennedy will be haunted by the scandal surrounding this incident. -
Watergate Scandal
On June 17, 1972, the Watergate complex in Washington D.C. witnessed several burglars stealing from the DNC office. They were caught recording phone calls and stealing documents. On August 9, 1974, Nixon quit when Washington Post reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward revealed Nixon's involvement. As a result of the Watergate scandal, Americans will forever question their leaders. "Watergate was a constitutional crisis of the highest order" (Tom Brokaw). -
The most important event
In my opinion, the Watergate scandal was the most important event. There have been many scandals in the United States that have made Americans realize how corrupt government can be, thus making them think twice before choosing their leaders. This scandal in particular was what prompted this thinking. -
Iran Hostages
Ayatollah Khomeini overthrew the Shah of Iran in 1979. Several American citizens were held hostage while the American embassy was attacked and seized. From November 4 to January 20, 1981, the hostage crisis lasted for 444 days. After Carter ordered the rescue operation, eight American soldiers died due to the failure. As a result of this episode, Carter failed to win reelection in 1980 largely due to his ineptitude and humiliation. -
Iran-Contra Affair
Iran-Contra Affair 1985-1987 was a secret pact between the United States and its enemies to exchange missiles for hostages held by terrorists in Lebanon. Armed conflicts in Nicaragua were also supported by the deal. Ronald Reagan's presidency could have been brought to an end due to the controversial deal and the ensuing scandal. This scandal led to the U.S. losing credibility as an opponent of terrorism. “Sometimes you have to go above the written law" (Fawn Hall). -
No New Taxes
George Bush famously pledged on television while running for president in 1988, "Read my lips: No new taxes!" It was a popular pledge that helped him win the election. His budget included new taxes in 1990, however, which broke his promise. One of the reasons he did not win reelection in 1992 was due to this pledge and its violation. Additionally, the measures lowered income tax rates, lowered capital gains taxes, and increased child tax credits. -
Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal
In 1998, a sex scandal involving Bill Clinton and White House intern Monica Lewinsky broke out. Between 1995 and 1997, they were involved in a sexual relationship. Clinton's impeachment charges of perjury and obstruction of justice were subsequently acquitted after a 21-day Senate trial following additional investigations. Despite its 20-year history, the scandal remains a major point of reference for American politics. "I did not have sexual relations with that woman” (Bill Clinton). -
Hanging Chads 2000
The 2000 Presidential election between Al Gore and George W Bush was very close, especially in Florida, where just a few hundred votes separated victory from defeat. However, the Democrats contested this and filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of State of Florida. After going all the way to the Supreme Court, the case “Bush v Gore” was decided 5-4 in favor of the Republican candidate. Overall, Florida's electoral college votes went to the Republicans by 537 votes