Object Image

Richard Nixon

Thirty-seventh president, 1969–1974

Coming of political age during the Cold War, Richard Nixon used national security issues to gain prominence in Congress and later served as Eisenhower’s vice president. After he lost both the election for the presidency, in 1960, and the race for California governor, 1962, it seemed as though his career may have peaked in the 1950s. However, as the Democratic Party unraveled over such topics as the Vietnam War and civil rights, Nixon won the presidency in 1968.

During his tenure, which was cut short, he focused on foreign policy, particularly with regard to ending the Vietnam War and establishing a relationship with China. Nixon was ultimately brought down ...

1968
Oil on canvas
46.4 x 66.7cm
NPG.72.2
Image and text © National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, 2023

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