Kennedy and the Cold War

“The New Frontier” Nickname for Kennedy’s domestic policies; focus was spend more on defense and space

John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) Irish-Catholic from Massachusetts Graduate of Harvard University Served in US Navy during WWII Became a war hero when his ship rescued surrounded Marines. Elected Senator from Mass. in 1952 35 years old Married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in 1953

Election of 1960 JFK openly discussed being Catholic Was a foreign policy expert. In first ever TV debate JFK looks younger and speaks better than Nixon. JFK stood in support of Martin Luther King, Jr. Helped him win the black vote and the Election of 1960.

The Camelot Years JFK White House known for its glamour, style, and charm. JFK surrounded himself with the “best and the brightest” minds. Appointed his brother Robert Kennedy as Attorney General.

The Cuban Dilemma Fidel Castro, a communist, takes control of Cuba 10% of Cubans escape to the US Bay of Pigs Cuban exiles and CIA plan invasion to topple Castro regime Goes horribly wrong, most of the invasion force is killed or captured. Huge embarrassment for JFK

The Berlin Crisis By 1961 over 20% of East German’s had fled into West Berlin. To prevent the exodus of East German’s, Khrushchev constructed the Berlin Wall. Prevented anyone from crossing the border into West Berlin. Wall stood as an ugly reminder of Communist oppression in East Germany

18 year old East German shot in 1962 while trying to cross Wall into West Berlin. One of the first casualties of the Berlin Wall. Body of Peter Fechter

West Berlin Speech "Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in…All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner!' "

Tragedy in Dallas Nov. 22, 1963 JFK assassinated in Dallas, TX Lee Harvey Oswald, alleged assassin shot before trial Warren Commission- investigates decides Oswald worked alone Lyndon B. Johnson becomes President

Lee Harvey Oswald Former US Marine Defected to USSR Lived there 3 years. Was married with children but lived a disappointing life. Also accused of murdering a police officer in Dallas.

Lyndon B. Johnson Democrat from Stonewall, Texas Was a close advisor to FDR during the New Deal. Kennedy’s Vice President Helped JFK win many Southern states. Fought for civil rights throughout his term as President. Responsible for escalating US involvement in the Vietnam War.

The War on Poverty LBJ was a master politician 1964 Civil Rights Act Prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, and sex First significant piece of Civil Rights legislation.

1964 Presidential Election LBJ defeats Barry Goldwater (R) Goldwater believed gov’t should not be used to solve social & economic problems. First modern-day conservative Democrats win a huge majority LBJ could pass laws without Republican support.

Johnson’s Great Society The Great Society- LBJ’s plan to end poverty in the US Congress passes 200+ bills under LBJ Medicare- low-cost medical insurance for everyone 65 or older Medicaid- extended health insurance benefits to Americans

Warren’s Supreme Court Earl Warren- Chief Justice of Supreme Court Bans loyalty oaths Affirms free speech Strengthens separation of church and state Protected accused rights versus illegal searches

Impact of the Great Society Poverty drops from 21% of population in 1962 to 11% in 1973. Massive tax cuts ignite the economy. Great Society programs contribute to the national deficit. Conservatives critics felt the Great Society increased gov’t power too much.

Summary How did the Presidency’s of Kennedy and Johnson impact American society at home and world events overseas?