When you think of great presidents of our past most people would agree Richard Nixon stacks very low on the list of notable presidents. Is it fair to forget all the great things someone has achieved just because they made a blunder? In this research paper I will describe Richard Nixon's triumphs as a leader and his eventual crumble from presidency. .
Richard Milhous Nixon was born January 9, 1913 in Yorba Linda, California. Raised in a strict household, his parents Frank Nixon and Hannah Milhous prohibited him and his four brothers from dancing and drinking alcohol. "His mother's religious views and emotional restraint countered with of his father's combative and volatile nature: as an adult Nixon exhibited both characteristics" (Garraty 458). Richard Nixon and his wife Thelma "Patricia" Catherine Ryan had two children named Patricia and Julie. Richard Nixon began his high level education by attending Whittier College and later receiving a scholarship to Duke University for law school. In 1942 Richard Nixon joined the US Navy where he was a supply officer spending much time in the Southern Pacific during World War II. His go getter attitude became even more apparent when he made it through the ranks in the US Navy to Lieutenant Commander in only four years. After his enlistment Richard Nixon felt he was ready for his next challenge so in 1946 he and his family moved back to Whittier, .
California where he ran for Senate. It was here that he was given the name Tricky Dick. .
In 1952, Dwight D. Eisenhower chose thirty nine year old Richard Nixon to be his Vice President. During his time as Vice President he managed important foreign and domestic issues. "Nixon's successes in improving relations with the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union are often cited as the vice-president's most important diplomatic achievement" (Garraty 461). In an eleven day visit from visit from Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev he challenged the merits of communism versus capitalism in one of his famous debates with Russian leader.