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| 1972, Feb. 21 |
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| Pres. Nixon visited the People's Republic of China in what he called “a journey for peace.” | 1 |
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| June 17 |
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| Watergate. A break-in at the Democratic National Headquarters was carried out by Republicans, at least one of whom was on the Committee to Reelect the President. Nixon denied knowledge of the burglary. It became clear, however, that the White House was engaging in a cover-up. Nixon apparently feared an investigation into Watergate would expose his dubious fundraising methods and the “dirty tricks” (political sabotage) used by his reelection campaign. Eventually, several people in the White House, including Nixon and his closest advisers—John Erlichman, his chief domestic adviser; H.R. Haldeman, the chief of staff; and John Dean, White House counsel—resigned or were fired. | 2 |
| Equal Rights Amendment. Congress passed a proposed constitutional amendment stating that “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex.” Thirty-five states quickly ratified the amendment, but it needed 38 states for passage. By 1982, it was clear that the amendment would not be ratified. | 3 |
| Baird v. Eisenstadt. The U.S. Supreme Court permitted single persons to purchase contraceptives. | 4 |
| The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission were established to protect the health of workers and consumers. | 5 |
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