Unit 8: Challenges and Change (1945 – 1975) Part I In the decades following WW2, the United States experienced changes and faced challenges such as the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and Divided Opinion on the Vietnam War.

Quick Review of Ch. 23 What were the causes, some of the main events, and the effects of the civil rights movement?

Chapter 24: The Kennedy and Johnson Years (1960 – 1968) During the 60s both President Kennedy and President Johnson sought ways to help the U.S. win the Cold War and work towards a better American society.

Section 1: Kennedy and the Cold War In 1960, John F. Kennedy won the presidential election against Richard Nixon, in part because he looked better during televised debates. Kennedy took office at a time when the U.S. was facing the spread of communism abroad and the threat of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. His enthusiasm and commitment to change offered the hope that with hard work and persistence the U.S. could win the Cold War.

Section 1: Kennedy and the Cold War Kennedy’s Strategies for the Cold War Build up the military, so that the U.S. would be prepared not just for nuclear war, but any type of conflict (nuclear, conventional, guerrilla, etc.) Pursue better relations with 3rd World (Less Developed) nations with the goal of spreading democracy and preventing the spread of communism Kennedy’s Programs to politically and economically strengthen 3rd world nations The Peace Corps: sent American volunteers around the world to provide technical, educational, and health services The Alliance for Progress: promised to resurrect America’s Good Neighbor policy by promoting economic assistance to Latin America (although it proved to be unsuccessful)

Section 1: Kennedy and the Cold War Confronting Communism in Cuba In 1959, Fidel Castro gained control of Cuba and established a communist government. This led to economic and military aid from the Soviet Union, and strained relations with the U.S. In 1961, a CIA led force of Cuban exiles attempted to overthrow Castro in the ‘Bay of Pigs Invasion’. The attempt failed miserably, hurting Kennedy’s image and strengthening Castro’s. In 1962, Soviets began building nuclear missile sites in Cuba, leading to a US naval blockade of Cuba. The threat of nuclear war suddenly seemed like a real possibility. After 6 tense days of the ‘Cuban Missile Crisis’, the Soviets agreed to remove the weapons. Following the crisis, Soviet and U.S. leaders to took steps to prevent future threats of nuclear war. Established a ‘hotline’ between Moscow and D.C. to improve communication In 1963, both signed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, ending aboveground nuclear tests.

Quick Discussion How might our world be different if U.S. intelligence had failed to detect Soviets building nuclear sites in Cuba?

Section 2: Kennedy’s New Frontier Kennedy’s ‘New Frontier’ agenda aimed to make changes in the U.S. that he believed were for the better. Although limited by a conservative congress, he had some success in making changes in Social Security benefits, dealing with poverty and racial discrimination, and encouraging new interest and expectations for the space program.

Section 2: Kennedy’s New Frontier Kennedy’s Domestic Program Improve minimum wage, social security benefits, and the welfare system The Equal Pay Act (1963) required equal pay for women if they did ‘equal work’. Several initiatives, including government borrowing and spending, to promote economic growth Cautiously showed support for Civil Rights, such as desegregation of schools Challenged the U.S. to win the ‘space race’ against the Soviet Union, and put a man on the moon (which took place in 1969) Sadly, Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 while visiting Dallas, Texas. Lee Harvey Oswald was named the killer, although some have questioned whether or not he acted alone.

Quick Discussion Do you know of any theories as to why Kennedy was assassinated? If Oswald didn’t act alone, who would want to kill President Kennedy?

Section 3: Johnson’s Great Society Following Kennedy’s death, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson took over the office of Commander in Chief. As President, he attempted to continue Kennedy’s goals and push through domestic legislation that he believed would improve life in America, declaring “War on Poverty” and creating a ‘Great Society’ as he put it.

Section 3: Johnson’s Great Society Johnson’s Steps Towards a ‘Great Society’ Civil Rights Act of 1964 which outlawed discrimination in voting, education, and public accommodations. Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to help young people gain work skills and better jobs, leading them out of poverty In 1965, Established Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare: basic hospital insurance for older Americans in the Social Security system Medicaid: basic medical services for the poor and disabled who were not a part of the Social Security system In 1965 the Elementary and Secondary Education Act increased funding for schools in poorer areas

Quick Discussion President Johnson declared a ‘war on poverty’ and passed legislation intended to help Americans get out of poverty. In what ways do you think the government can / can’t continue to help Americans improve their opportunities and get out of poverty?

Chapter 24 Quick Review What is your impression of President Kennedy and his policies? What is your impression of President Johnson and his policies?