THE 1960’S A Decade of Change

Kennedy’s “New Frontier” Show the world what a democratic society could offer. Raise the minimum wage Rebuild inner cities Increase education funding

Trained American volunteers and sends them to work with people in poor countries.

The CIA had a plan to train Cubans living inside the U.S. to invade Cuba.

Khrushchev’s solution was to wall off West Berlin. This wall became a symbol of the Cold War. Between 1949 and 1962, about 2.5 million East Germans escaped to West Germany through West Berlin.

In early 1962 Khrushchev placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, aimed right at American cities.

With Cuba sitting just 90 miles from Florida, this was a major threat!

Kennedy responded with a Naval blockade. For 13 days the entire world held its breath.

1 st man in space: Yuri Gagarin (U.S.S.R.) 1 st man on the moon: Neil Armstrong (U.S.A.) The “space race” continues

JFK and his wife were travelling in a motorcade in Dallas, TX. Some say he was shot from the 5 th floor of the School Book Depository. On Nov. 22 nd 1963 President Kennedy becomes the 4 th President to be assassinated.

Lyndon B. Johnson (36 th President) Wanted to provide education, healthcare, and equal rights to all Americans. Started Medicare for those 65 and older and Medicaid for low-income families. Began Head Start: pre- school for low income families.

Unlike Dr. King, Malcolm X believed African Americans should fight for their freedoms.

The Vietnam War Began when North Vietnam (supported by the Soviets) attacked their democratic neighbor to the south. The U.S. officially became involved when North Vietnam attacked a U.S. warship in the Gulf of Tonkin (who was there assisting South Vietnam)

U.S. patrol slugging through the tropical terrain. The Huey transport helicopter played a large roll in Vietnam. Fighting would continue in Vietnam for over 10 years.

The Viet Cong (VC) and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) made extensive use of tunnels and booby traps.

Punji Sticks

In 1975, the U.S. pulls out all troops and the North Vietnamese Army takes control setting up a communist government in a unified Vietnam.

MLK is assassinated outside his motel room in Memphis, TN. Robert Kennedy is gunned down after a speaking at the Democratic Convention. Two more Civil Rights leaders are slain!