Paired Texts > Watergate: Undoing a President

by USHistory.org 2016

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

Excerpt from The Prince
Excerpt from The Prince
Niccoló Machiavelli

Niccoló Machiavelli (1469-1527) was an Italian Renaissance historian, politician, and writer based in Florence. His masterpiece, The Prince, published in 1532, advises new princes on how to get and retain power by any means necessary.

Pair “Watergate: Undoing a President” with “Excerpt from the Prince” and ask students to discuss how Nixon’s presidency and persona fits within Machiavelli’s rules for governance.

11th Grade Political Theory 1370L
Richard Nixon's Resignation Speech
Richard Nixon's Resignation Speech
President Richard M. Nixon

"Richard Nixon's Resignation Speech" explains how Nixon is resigning from the office of president for the good of the American people and focuses on the positive elements of Nixon's legacy.

Pair “Watergate: Undoing a President” with “President Nixon’s Resignation Speech” and ask students to discuss what they believe motivated Nixon to resign compared to the reasons he gives in his speech.

11th Grade Speech 1280L
Senator Nixon's "Checkers" Speech
Senator Nixon's "Checkers" Speech
Senator Richard M. Nixon

In this speech, Vice Presidential candidate Richard Nixon masters rhetoric to defend charges of corruption in his campaign and to defend Dwight Eisenhower's bid for the presidency.

Pair “Checkers Speech” with “Watergate: Undoing a President” and ask students to discuss how Nixon’s public image changed over time in regards to honesty and corruption.

11th Grade Speech 1180L