JFK and LBJ

1960 Election First televised presidential debate Nixon v. Kennedy One of the closest races in history John F. Kennedy won

“The New Frontier is here whether we seek it or not. Beyond that frontier are uncharted areas of science and space, unsolved problems of peace and war, unconquered problems of ignorance and prejudice, unanswered questions of poverty and surplus. It would be easier to shrink from that new frontier, to look to the safe mediocrity of the past, to be lulled by good intentions and high rhetoric -- and those who prefer that course should not vote for me or the Democratic Party. But I believe that the times require imagination and courage and perseverance. I'm asking each of you to be pioneers towards that New Frontier. My call is to the young in heart, regardless of age -- to the stout in spirit, regardless of Party, to all who respond to the scriptural call: "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be [thou] dismayed.“”

New Frontier Kennedy’s legislative agenda – Increase education aid – Health insurance for the elderly – Help inner city

Camelot Younger First family Popular with media – Magazine photo spreads – Fashion trends

Baker v Carr and Reynolds v Sims ‘One man, one vote’ Required states to redraw congressional districts so they represented equal number of people

Peace Corps Sends Americans to provide humanitarian services to less- developed nations Volunteers provide educational, agricultural, and other services

Berlin Wall Khrushchev wanted to stop East Berliners from going to West Berlin Khrushchev demanded that US, GB, and France leave West Berlin Kennedy reaffirmed commitment to help West Berlin Khrushchev responded by building the Berlin Wall

Kennedy Assassination Nov Dallas Texas Lee Harvey Oswald accused of assassinating the president, but he was killed while in custody 2 days after the assassination Jack Ruby killed Oswald Led to numerous conspiracy theories Warren Commission looked into assassination and reported that Oswald acted alone Conspiracy theories still around today

Lyndon Johnson becomes President

War on Poverty Knew that JFK had a plan for an anti-poverty and civil rights bill – That would help him get these plans passed Created many new programs directed at inner city youth – Upward bound – tutoring – VISTA – Peace Corps for American – Neighborhood Youth Corps – work-study for underprivileged youth

Election of 1964 Lyndon Johnson easily won the election in 1964

Great Society Programs for disadvantaged Americans – Medicare – health insurance for the elderly – Medicaid – health insurance for those living below the poverty line