By the time Hoover left office, unemployment had soared, banks had failed nationwide, and millions of Americans were living in poverty.
While historians recognize that the Great Depression had complex global causes, Hoover’s limited response and communication failures contributed to public frustration and loss of confidence. His presidency is often cited as an example of how rigid economic ideology can worsen a national crisis.
Richard Nixon (1969–1974)
The scandal began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and expanded into a broader investigation that revealed abuses of power, illegal surveillance, and efforts to obstruct justice. As evidence mounted, it became clear that Nixon had participated in covering up illegal activities.
In 1974, facing near-certain impeachment and removal, Nixon resigned from office, becoming the only U.S. president to do so. While his policy achievements are acknowledged, historians often rank him poorly due to the constitutional crisis triggered by Watergate and the lasting damage to public trust in government.
