The main outcome of the Watergate scandal in the 1970s was the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The scandal began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and led to revelations of widespread abuses of power by the Nixon administration. As investigations progressed, evidence emerged of attempts to cover up involvement in the break-in, leading to public outrage and a crisis of trust in government. Facing imminent impeachment, Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974, becoming the first U.S. president to do so. The scandal had lasting effects on American politics, leading to greater scrutiny of government actions.