Richard M. Nixon is perhaps the most infamous president in the history of the United States. During his Presidency, Nixon succeeded in ending American fighting in Vietnam and succeeded in improving relations with the U.S.S.R. and China. However, the Watergate scandal brought fresh divisions to the country and ultimately led to his resignation. Nixon realized in order to end the war in Vietnam, he had to extend relations with China, and as a result, China became somewhat friendly with the US. In addition, Nixon was able to improve relations with the USSR, and start the process of détente – the easing of the strained relations the cold war had started. His other accomplishments while in office included revenue sharing, the end of the draft, new anticrime laws, and a broad environmental program. As he had promised, he appointed Justices of conservative philosophy to the Supreme Court. One of the most dramatic events of his first term occurred in 1969, when American astronauts made the first moon landing. He was also able to negotiate a new treaty to limit strategic nuclear weapons with the USSR. In his 1972 bid for office, Nixon defeated Democratic candidate George McGovern by one of the widest margins on record. Soon after the election, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned in 1973 as a result of scandal, so Nixon nominated, and Congress approved, House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford as Vice President. The infamous Watergate scandal ensued, and soon Nixon became the first president to resign, and Gerald Ford became the 38th President of the United States.