Video: 'This day in history: Oct. 23, 1973'

(Tuesday, October 23, 1973; during the Watergate scandal) — U.S. President Richard Nixon capitulated today and agreed to surrender Watergate-related tapes and documents to a federal judge.

Video: 'The Final Days (1989) | Full Movie | Lane Smith | Richard Kiley | David Ogden Stiers' (Oct. 23, 1973, at 43:15)

The abrupt and astounding turnabout came about two hours after the House of Representatives took the first formal steps toward impeachment.

Video: 'SYND 23-10-73 FORMER ATTOURNEY GENERAL RICHARDSON SPEAKING ABOUT HIS RESIGNATION'

Nixon’s earlier refusal to comply with the order led to his firing of special Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox and precipitated a crisis of confidence in his administration.

Video: '"Watergate: The Secret Story" - 1992' (Oct. 23, 1973, at 1:16:25)

The tapes released pursuant to Sirica’s order included the June 20, 1972, conversation with an 18½-minute portion erased, but not the June 23, 1972 tape that would eventually force Nixon’s resignation in Aug. 1974.