Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from January 20, 1969, until his resignation on August 9, 1974. A member of the Republican Party, he previously held the office of Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1961. Nixon's presidency is noted for significant foreign policy achievements, including the historic opening of relations with China and the policy of détente with the Soviet Union. Domestically, he is recognized for establishing the Environmental Protection Agency and implementing various social programs.