How do breaches of trust affect public perception?
In 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington D.C. while trying to bug the offices and collect information about the upcoming election. The break-in led to a series of investigations that revealed a pattern of similar illegal activity. Then, officials in the Nixon administration were accused of abuse of power while attempting to cover up the break-in. As evidence, including audio recordings implicating Nixon in the cover-up, began to surface, impeachment proceedings began which forced Nixon to resign from office in 1974.
D2.His.4.9-12. Analyze complex and interacting factors that influenced the perspectives of people during different historical eras.
Featured Sources
Source A: Washington Post, “Nixon, with a money-bag for a face, carries a sign, ‘I am not a crook’”, 1974, Library of Congress
Source B: Herbert Block, “I’ll tell you everything you need to know”, July 2, 1972, Library of Congress
Source C: Herb Block, “Late Returns”, May 18, 1973, Library of Congress
Source D: Herb Block, “Nixon Hanging Between the Tapes”, May 24, 1974, Library of CongressSource E: Herb Block, “The Great Silence”, October 31, 1972, Library of Congress
Formative Performance Tasks
- DELIBERATE: Work together to analyze five political cartoons, noting observations and lingering questions.
- COLLABORATE: Identify the message of each cartoon and determine whether it increased or decreased trust in the U.S. government.
- PRODUCE: Craft a claim that answers the compelling question.
Instructional Snapshot
The Class begins with a brief description of the Watergate Scandal. In small groups, students work together to identify what is happening in each of the cartoons in the Watergate Source Set and record their observations on the Student Handout. Students also have the opportunity to record questions they have about the cartoons. Before moving on, the teacher may answer students’ questions or clarify misconceptions about the cartoons. Students then collaborate to determine how the message of each cartoon would have impacted levels of trust in government. After exploring multiple aspects of the Watergate Scandal in the cartoons, the class concludes with students crafting a claim that answers the compelling question.
