1973 — The United States and South Vietnam sign a cease-fire with North Vietnam and the Viet Cong, ending the Vietnam War, and the United States. ends the military draft. Also that year:

• A Senate committee holds televised hearings on the Watergate affair. John Dean III, former White House counsel, admits to playing a major role in a cover-up of the burglary and says that President Nixon and his aides knew about it.

The House Judiciary Committee investigates possible impeachment of President Nixon. Taped Watergate conversations containing gaps in some conversations are released to Judge John Sirica under subpoena.

• Vice President Spiro Agnew resigns,pleading “no contest” to charges of income tax evasion. Gerald Ford, Republican leader in the House, becomes vice president.

• East and West Germany formally establish diplomatic relations.

• The 110-story World Trade Center in New York City is completed and briefly becomes the tallest building in the world.