Question

What effect did the Watergate scandal have on American society?

Answer 1

It added to the disaffection and dissatisfaction which already existed.

Explanation:

Watergate in many ways encapsulated much of the issues in the USA at the time. The illegal burglary itself, and the attempted cover up reflected the corruption at the heart of American government.

This in turn increased the general lack of trust and belief in government by many Americans themselves. This had already been reflected in the deep divisions over Vietnam, the release of the Pentagon Papers, and the rise of the counter culture.

It also led to the election of Jimmy Carter as a reaction to the existing status quo. He was an outsider, from Georgia who seemed to offer a fresh alternative. However his demise 4 years later and the election of the conservative Ronald Reagan heralded a reaction to much of the liberalism and radicalism of the 60's and early 70's.