Richard Nixon

Nixon's most significant accolades are diplomatic and historical. He is the only U.S. president to resign from office, a distinction that has shaped his legacy as much as his achievements. His 1972 visit to China is considered one of the most important diplomatic breakthroughs of the 20th century, ending decades of isolation between the two nations. The SALT I treaty, signed the same year, was a major step in arms control. Domestically, the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of landmark environmental laws remain enduring parts of his record. His presidency also saw the peaceful desegregation of Southern schools and the implementation of affirmative action.