Part 1: 1972-1974
This is my first timeline that I'm writing on this website, so please go a bit easy on me . That being said, this timeline will likely be pretty controversial. Nevertheless, please keep in mind it is just fiction and I would ask that people not take what I am writing as what 100% certainly would have occurred had the Watergate Scandal been averted. Without further ado, here is the timeline. Enjoy!
Part 1
Saturday, June 17th, 1972, 1:30 AM
Security guard Frank Wills was having an easy night patrolling the Watergate Hotel. So safe was this hotel that he didn't even have to carry a gun, only a can of mace. While patrolling, he noticed duct tape on a door in the building. Assuming it was nothing, Wills took the tape off.
1:40 AM (Point of Divergence)
Noticing that the tape had been removed, the burglar did not even think about replacing the tape which was once on the door. "Someone had to have removed it," he thought. Knowing that replacing the tape would only increase the suspicion of whatever guard was in the building, the burglar wisely decides to not replace the tape, knowing that this could get the whole Nixon administration in trouble.
1:50 AM
Frank Wills patrols the same area, no tape is there. Wills continues his patrolling.
3:00 AM
The Watergate burglars successfully escape the hotel, having successfully repaired the wiretapping in the phones.
November 7th, 1972
Richard Nixon comfortably watches the election coverage, grinning, knowing that he has annihilated his opponent, George McGovern, in arguably the worst landslide in all of American history. Nixon smiles. He has potentially made history. He has secured another four years as president.
January 20th, 1973
Nixon is sworn in again, and gives his inaugural address.
January 27th, 1973
The landmark Paris Peace Accords are signed by the United States, North Vietnam, and South Vietnam. The accords see the end of US involvement in the war with ground troops and provides a formal end to the war in Vietnam, though many top government officials see the peace treaty as peace in name only. Nevertheless, the signing of the Paris Peace Accords sees an increase in President Nixon's approval ratings.
Early 1973
Baltimore county looks into potential corruption in the city of Baltimore. Evidence about tax evasion is found concerning current Vice President Spiro Agnew. This greatly worries Agnew.
October 1973
Large amounts of oil-exporting countries under OPEC embargo the United States, leading to a drastic decrease in the United States oil supply, starting a huge oil crisis. This crisis also leads to inflation.
November 1973
Under increasing pressure to resign in order to avoid smearing the Nixon administration, Spiro Agnew is forced to resign, is fined, and placed on probation.
December 1973
With Agnew gone, Nixon needs to choose a new Vice President. He is enthralled by John Connally, yet he knows for certain that he won't be able to push him through to Congress. The Democrats will be outraged at a man who left the party so recently in 1973 and will do everything in their power to prevent his nomination. The Republicans in Congress won't be crazy for letting a Vice President in who was oh so recently a Democrat. As much as Nixon likes the man, he understands he can't get him as Vice President. Nixon then settles for a pick which will make it through Congress: Gerald R. Ford.
Early 1974
Nixon works to get his healthcare plan, CHIP (Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan), passed through Congress. Nixon emphasizes how important healthcare is in the United States. He also appeals to the Conservatives through guaranteeing that the program will not lead to higher Federal taxes and does not make doctors accountable to the Government; it will make them more accountable to their patients, and help provide quality health care for every American. Nixon revises many parts of the original plan with Senator Ted Kennedy, with the bill receiving large amounts of Democratic support. The only vocal opposition to the plan comes from Conservatives, but only about 60% of them oppose the bill. The others are convinced by Nixon's assurance that the Healthcare plan does not entail another "Great Society" program. With this bipartisan support, CHIP makes it through Congress and is signed into law by President Nixon. Nixon proudly proclaims to the American public that health care has been made more affordable and more reliable than ever before.
Mid-1974
With the midterm elections nearing and the disaster of the First Oil Crisis just recently being over, Nixon decides to start campaigning. Nixon pours out all of his energy into campaigning for the midterms, as these midterms could decide the survival of South Vietnam and how much policy Nixon can push through Congress. Nixon campaigns across the United States in support of various GOP candidates in the election.
August 10, 1974. Saigon, South Vietnam.
The bustling commerce and transportation in Saigon was a sight to behold. Nguyen Van Thieu's appreciation of the city was something which had increased in the past couple of months. With the US aid rolling in, the ARVN had firmly held their ground against North Vietnam. Nixon's promise of air support in case of a Northern offensive allowed Thieu to sleep easy at night. It was not as relaxing a time, however, for Cambodian leader Lon Nol. The two leaders had decided to meet in Saigon that humid, muggy day. "You have no idea just how badly the Khmer Rouge is giving me a hard time. If it weren't for your government keeping anti-communism viable, they would have taken over the whole country, and only God knows what plans they could have in store for my country." Thieu sympathized with Nol. Just over six years earlier, guerrilla warfare was a major part of his country too, with the Viet Cong being a major threat. Thankfully, after the Tet Offensive and years more of war, they were no longer a threat to his country. But the Rouge was still alive and well in Nol's Cambodia. New atrocities the Khmer Rouge were committing came in every day, with no seeming humanity to the movement. "We need your help. We can't have the Rouge keep killing. Our army simply isn't getting better fast enough, even with the American aid. We won't be able to decisively defeat the Rouge for many years at this rate. I ask that you please give us some assistance from your strong ARVN. It would be greatly appreciated so that we could finally end the threat they pose." Thieu grimaced. "If I could, I would do that, but you have to understand that my Army, though strong, still needs to constantly defend itself from the NVA every single day. Though the Viet Cong isn't a problem any more, the NVA are, and I'd ask that you'd give me and my country some more time to recover and become functional without US ground troops. If I help you out right now, it could allow the North to attack and wipe out my country, all but ensuring both of our countries to Communist doom." Nol looked down, understanding Thieu's reasoning, but wishing something, anything could be done. "Once your country gets strong enough to stand on its own two feet, you will help me, right?" "Of course I will," Thieu replied. "But as it stands right now, the freedom of both of our countries may be determined by the fate of American democracy in two years. We can only hope and pray that America will elect a leader who will keep funding us. So long as Nixon is in power, the NVA will respect my country. But if we get a leader with different views, it may be game over for both of us." Nol and Thieu both looked out and admired the bustling city of Saigon, imagining the horrors which could occur if this free city was taken by the Communists. "I wish you luck, Thieu." "To you as well, Nol."
November 5th, 1974
Nixon had campaigned in many states for the GOP. Nixon did not want a Democrat-dominated Congress for the last years of his presidency. Such an occurrence would be a political nightmare. Agnew's crimes had certainly hurt the credibility of the GOP, though nothing it couldn't recover from. The oil crisis and high inflation had also led to less credibility among Republicans. Nixon had done his best to try and assure voters that Agnew's actions were not the norm for the GOP and tried his best to campaign for the party's candidates. Nixon had done his best. It was now up to the American voters. Nixon watched the election results with angst, looking to see which districts and states had lost senators and representatives. At the end of it all, Nixon breathed a sigh of relief. Though he knew that the Democrats would gain seats in this election, the seats gained were relatively low. Nixon's policy plans were not completely hopeless.
End Results of Midterm Elections:
House of Representatives: Democratic: 272 (+20); Republican: 163 (-10)
Senate: Democratic: Democratic: 58 (+2); Republican: 40 (-2); Conservative: 1; Independent: 1;
This would be a difficult Congress to navigate for Nixon, but navigating it wouldn't be impossible for Tricky Dick. Nixon went to sleep relieved that night, knowing that the elections hadn't produced something unworkable.
Part 1
Saturday, June 17th, 1972, 1:30 AM
Security guard Frank Wills was having an easy night patrolling the Watergate Hotel. So safe was this hotel that he didn't even have to carry a gun, only a can of mace. While patrolling, he noticed duct tape on a door in the building. Assuming it was nothing, Wills took the tape off.
1:40 AM (Point of Divergence)
Noticing that the tape had been removed, the burglar did not even think about replacing the tape which was once on the door. "Someone had to have removed it," he thought. Knowing that replacing the tape would only increase the suspicion of whatever guard was in the building, the burglar wisely decides to not replace the tape, knowing that this could get the whole Nixon administration in trouble.
1:50 AM
Frank Wills patrols the same area, no tape is there. Wills continues his patrolling.
3:00 AM
The Watergate burglars successfully escape the hotel, having successfully repaired the wiretapping in the phones.
November 7th, 1972
Richard Nixon comfortably watches the election coverage, grinning, knowing that he has annihilated his opponent, George McGovern, in arguably the worst landslide in all of American history. Nixon smiles. He has potentially made history. He has secured another four years as president.
January 20th, 1973
Nixon is sworn in again, and gives his inaugural address.
January 27th, 1973
The landmark Paris Peace Accords are signed by the United States, North Vietnam, and South Vietnam. The accords see the end of US involvement in the war with ground troops and provides a formal end to the war in Vietnam, though many top government officials see the peace treaty as peace in name only. Nevertheless, the signing of the Paris Peace Accords sees an increase in President Nixon's approval ratings.
Early 1973
Baltimore county looks into potential corruption in the city of Baltimore. Evidence about tax evasion is found concerning current Vice President Spiro Agnew. This greatly worries Agnew.
October 1973
Large amounts of oil-exporting countries under OPEC embargo the United States, leading to a drastic decrease in the United States oil supply, starting a huge oil crisis. This crisis also leads to inflation.
November 1973
Under increasing pressure to resign in order to avoid smearing the Nixon administration, Spiro Agnew is forced to resign, is fined, and placed on probation.
December 1973
With Agnew gone, Nixon needs to choose a new Vice President. He is enthralled by John Connally, yet he knows for certain that he won't be able to push him through to Congress. The Democrats will be outraged at a man who left the party so recently in 1973 and will do everything in their power to prevent his nomination. The Republicans in Congress won't be crazy for letting a Vice President in who was oh so recently a Democrat. As much as Nixon likes the man, he understands he can't get him as Vice President. Nixon then settles for a pick which will make it through Congress: Gerald R. Ford.
Early 1974
Nixon works to get his healthcare plan, CHIP (Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan), passed through Congress. Nixon emphasizes how important healthcare is in the United States. He also appeals to the Conservatives through guaranteeing that the program will not lead to higher Federal taxes and does not make doctors accountable to the Government; it will make them more accountable to their patients, and help provide quality health care for every American. Nixon revises many parts of the original plan with Senator Ted Kennedy, with the bill receiving large amounts of Democratic support. The only vocal opposition to the plan comes from Conservatives, but only about 60% of them oppose the bill. The others are convinced by Nixon's assurance that the Healthcare plan does not entail another "Great Society" program. With this bipartisan support, CHIP makes it through Congress and is signed into law by President Nixon. Nixon proudly proclaims to the American public that health care has been made more affordable and more reliable than ever before.
Mid-1974
With the midterm elections nearing and the disaster of the First Oil Crisis just recently being over, Nixon decides to start campaigning. Nixon pours out all of his energy into campaigning for the midterms, as these midterms could decide the survival of South Vietnam and how much policy Nixon can push through Congress. Nixon campaigns across the United States in support of various GOP candidates in the election.
August 10, 1974. Saigon, South Vietnam.
The bustling commerce and transportation in Saigon was a sight to behold. Nguyen Van Thieu's appreciation of the city was something which had increased in the past couple of months. With the US aid rolling in, the ARVN had firmly held their ground against North Vietnam. Nixon's promise of air support in case of a Northern offensive allowed Thieu to sleep easy at night. It was not as relaxing a time, however, for Cambodian leader Lon Nol. The two leaders had decided to meet in Saigon that humid, muggy day. "You have no idea just how badly the Khmer Rouge is giving me a hard time. If it weren't for your government keeping anti-communism viable, they would have taken over the whole country, and only God knows what plans they could have in store for my country." Thieu sympathized with Nol. Just over six years earlier, guerrilla warfare was a major part of his country too, with the Viet Cong being a major threat. Thankfully, after the Tet Offensive and years more of war, they were no longer a threat to his country. But the Rouge was still alive and well in Nol's Cambodia. New atrocities the Khmer Rouge were committing came in every day, with no seeming humanity to the movement. "We need your help. We can't have the Rouge keep killing. Our army simply isn't getting better fast enough, even with the American aid. We won't be able to decisively defeat the Rouge for many years at this rate. I ask that you please give us some assistance from your strong ARVN. It would be greatly appreciated so that we could finally end the threat they pose." Thieu grimaced. "If I could, I would do that, but you have to understand that my Army, though strong, still needs to constantly defend itself from the NVA every single day. Though the Viet Cong isn't a problem any more, the NVA are, and I'd ask that you'd give me and my country some more time to recover and become functional without US ground troops. If I help you out right now, it could allow the North to attack and wipe out my country, all but ensuring both of our countries to Communist doom." Nol looked down, understanding Thieu's reasoning, but wishing something, anything could be done. "Once your country gets strong enough to stand on its own two feet, you will help me, right?" "Of course I will," Thieu replied. "But as it stands right now, the freedom of both of our countries may be determined by the fate of American democracy in two years. We can only hope and pray that America will elect a leader who will keep funding us. So long as Nixon is in power, the NVA will respect my country. But if we get a leader with different views, it may be game over for both of us." Nol and Thieu both looked out and admired the bustling city of Saigon, imagining the horrors which could occur if this free city was taken by the Communists. "I wish you luck, Thieu." "To you as well, Nol."
November 5th, 1974
Nixon had campaigned in many states for the GOP. Nixon did not want a Democrat-dominated Congress for the last years of his presidency. Such an occurrence would be a political nightmare. Agnew's crimes had certainly hurt the credibility of the GOP, though nothing it couldn't recover from. The oil crisis and high inflation had also led to less credibility among Republicans. Nixon had done his best to try and assure voters that Agnew's actions were not the norm for the GOP and tried his best to campaign for the party's candidates. Nixon had done his best. It was now up to the American voters. Nixon watched the election results with angst, looking to see which districts and states had lost senators and representatives. At the end of it all, Nixon breathed a sigh of relief. Though he knew that the Democrats would gain seats in this election, the seats gained were relatively low. Nixon's policy plans were not completely hopeless.
End Results of Midterm Elections:
House of Representatives: Democratic: 272 (+20); Republican: 163 (-10)
Senate: Democratic: Democratic: 58 (+2); Republican: 40 (-2); Conservative: 1; Independent: 1;
This would be a difficult Congress to navigate for Nixon, but navigating it wouldn't be impossible for Tricky Dick. Nixon went to sleep relieved that night, knowing that the elections hadn't produced something unworkable.
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