Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox was appointed in 1973 to investigate the Watergate scandal, a political scandal involving President Richard Nixon and his administration. His role was to ensure an independent inquiry into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up efforts. Cox's investigation led to significant legal battles, particularly over the release of tape recordings made in the White House. His refusal to back down from demanding these tapes ultimately resulted in his dismissal by Nixon, an event known as the "Saturday Night Massacre," which intensified public scrutiny of the president and contributed to Nixon's eventual resignation.