Watergate and the Saturday Night Massacre
Grades 9-12
On Oct. 20, 1973, President Richard Nixon triggered a constitutional crisis by firing special prosecutor Archibald Cox, who was investigating the Watergate break-in. The move, which became known as the Saturday Night Massacre, set off a wave of public and institutional backlash. It helped lead to the landmark Supreme Court case United States v. Nixon and ultimately to Nixon’s resignation on Aug. 9, 1974. This short doc examines how the episode tested the limits of presidential power and raised urgent questions about accountability and the rule of law.
Sign up to instantly access
free resources for teachers
With 300+ short-form documentaries and dozens of educator-approved lesson plans, Retro Report brings history to life in your classroom.
Register for free to access classroom materials and student activities.
Already have an account? Sign In.
Thank you for registering!
