The Watergate scandal refers to a 1970s political scandal that ultimately led to Richard Nixon's resignation from the presidency. It began with the arrest of five men for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters, and widened to reveal extensive illegal activities and abuses authorized by Nixon's staff, including campaign sabotage, illegal wiretapping, and a secret slush fund. Nixon and his staff conspired to cover up the break-in, but mounting evidence, including recordings from Nixon's secret taping system, revealed that Nixon had obstructed justice. Facing impeachment and possible conviction, Nixon resigned in 1974.