Saturday Night Massacre: Nixon Fires His Prosecutors
President Richard Nixon orders the firing of Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus when both men refuse to dismiss Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox. Acting quickly, Solicitor General Robert Bork carries out the dismissal, triggering a firestorm that accelerates calls for Nixon's impeachment and seals his political fate within weeks.
October 20, 1973
53 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Richard Nixon
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Watergate scandal
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United States Attorney General
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Robert Bork
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Archibald Cox
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Elliot Richardson
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Attorney General
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Saturday Night Massacre
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Deputy Attorney General
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William Ruckelshaus
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United States Deputy Attorney General
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Special prosecutor
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Watergate scandal
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Saturday Night Massacre
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Richard Nixon
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Elliot Richardson
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William Ruckelshaus
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Archibald Cox
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Robert Bork
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What Else Happened on October 20
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The Duke of Alba crushed William the Silent’s forces at the Battle of Jodoigne, scattering the Dutch rebel army and forcing William into exile. This victory sec…
Cristóbal de Mondragón led 3,000 Spanish soldiers through ten miles of freezing, waist-deep seawater to surprise the Dutch rebels besieging Goes. This daring mi…
Spanish troops waded through fifteen miles of freezing, waist-deep seawater in a single night to reach the besieged city of Goes. This grueling amphibious maneu…
Royal Navy forces captured the pirate John Rackham, known as Calico Jack, off the coast of Jamaica after his crew failed to mount a defense while intoxicated. H…
Maria Theresa inherited the Austrian throne in 1740 at age 23. Her father had spent years securing promises that Europe would accept a female ruler. France, Pru…
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