What major act is Richard Nixon most known for during his presidency?

Richard Nixon is most notably associated with the Watergate Scandal during his presidency, which had profound implications for American politics and government. The scandal began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters located in the Watergate office complex in 1972, and the subsequent cover-up efforts by Nixon and his administration eventually led to a major political crisis.

As investigations unfolded, it was revealed that Nixon had attempted to obstruct justice and use his executive power to hide his administration's involvement in the burglary, leading to widespread public distrust in government. The fallout from the Watergate Scandal ultimately culminated in Nixon becoming the first sitting president in U.S. history to resign from office in August 1974. This event reshaped the relationship between the American public and the presidency, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in government.

While other significant historical events and policies such as the Great Society Programs, New Deal Policies, and school desegregation played important roles in different contexts of American history, none of these directly tie to Nixon's legacy in the same way the Watergate Scandal does. The scandal has since become a crucial part of American political discourse and is often referenced as a cautionary tale about the abuse of power in government.