Final Answer:
President Richard Nixon faced both domestic and international challenges between 1968 and 1974, notably the Vietnam War and the Watergate Scandal. In response to these challenges, Nixon escalated military efforts in Vietnam and attempted to cover up the wrongdoing in the Watergate scandal. Therefore, the correct answer is a) The Vietnam War and Watergate Scandal; Nixon responded with increased military involvement and cover-up attempts.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the United States was deeply embroiled in the Vietnam War, a conflict marked by significant social and political unrest. President Nixon, who took office in 1969, inherited the ongoing war and responded by implementing a policy known as Vietnamization. This involved gradually withdrawing U.S. troops while increasing support for the South Vietnamese forces. Additionally, Nixon expanded military engagement by ordering the bombing of Cambodia in an effort to destroy North Vietnamese supply routes. Despite these efforts, the Vietnam War continued to be a divisive issue, contributing to widespread protests and dissent within the United States.
Simultaneously, the Watergate Scandal unfolded, leading to one of the most significant political crises in American history. The Watergate Scandal involved the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent attempts to cover up the involvement of Nixon's administration.
Nixon responded to these allegations by engaging in a series of cover-up attempts, including paying hush money to the burglars and orchestrating the destruction of evidence. Ultimately, the scandal led to Nixon's resignation in 1974, making him the only U.S. president to step down from office. The events surrounding the Watergate Scandal had a profound impact on the public's trust in government and the presidency, shaping the political landscape for years to come.
Therefore, the correct answer is a) The Vietnam War and Watergate Scandal; Nixon responded with increased military involvement and cover-up attempts.