The term "Watergate" refers to a major political scandal in the United States during the early 1970s involving the Nixon administration. The scandal stemmed from a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters located in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C., on June 17, 1972. It was uncovered that members of Nixon’s team were involved in the break-in and subsequent cover-up attempts. The investigation revealed extensive abuses of power and led to a loss of public trust in government. Ultimately, the scandal resulted in President Richard Nixon's resignation on August 8, 1974, and highlighted the importance of political accountability.