Spiro Agnew

Spiro Agnew

Vice President of the United States from 1969 to 1973.
Date of Birth: 09.11.1918
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Vice President of the United States
  2. Rise to Vice Presidency
  3. Financial Scandals and Resignation
  4. Aftermath and Legacy
  5. Later Years and Death

Vice President of the United States

Spiro Theodore Agnew served as the 39th Vice President of the United States from 1969 to 1973, during the Richard Nixon administration. He was elected twice alongside Nixon, in 1968 and 1972, and aspired to run for president in 1976.

Rise to Vice Presidency

Prior to his role as vice president, Agnew held the position of Governor of Maryland from 1967 to 1969. Born to Greek Orthodox immigrants, he had strong support from the Greek community and Protestant churches.

Financial Scandals and Resignation

In June 1973, allegations of financial improprieties, including tax evasion and bribery, surfaced against Agnew. He faced criminal prosecution and, as part of a plea agreement, pleaded no contest to one charge and resigned from the vice presidency on October 10, 1973.

Aftermath and Legacy

Agnew's conviction led to his disbarment and dashed his presidential ambitions. He accused Nixon of launching the investigation against him to distract attention from the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to Nixon's resignation in 1974.

Following his departure from office, Agnew wrote an autobiography and hinted that Nixon had threatened to kill him if he did not resign. Despite their differences, Agnew attended Nixon's funeral in 1994.

Later Years and Death

Agnew died in Maryland in 1996, shortly after being diagnosed with leukemia. He passed away just a day after being admitted to the hospital.

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