Chapter 24, Section 1

 Americans were growing concerned with the growing rivalry between the U.S. and Soviet Union. Civil rights were also an issue that needed to be addressed.  Though the two candidates, Nixon and Kennedy had similar backgrounds, they also had major differences.  Kennedy was from a wealthy family, whereas Nixon had to work as a teenager.  Many people also respected Nixon for his role as Eisenhower’s vice-president.

 Ultimately, it was television that made the difference between the two candidates.  In televised debates, Nixon appeared disheveled and had recently been released from the hospital.  Kennedy, however, looked relaxed, freshly tanned and younger.  Those that watched the debate on TV believed that Kennedy had won, whereas those who had listened on the radio thought Nixon had won.  The election was won by Kennedy by ~120,000 votes.

 During Eisenhower’s presidency, Cuba had fallen to the communist leader Fidel Castro.  Many also believed that there was now as ‘missile gap’ between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.  This meant that the Soviets were out producing the U.S. in nuclear weaponry.

 Kennedy encouraged and inspired hope in the American people.  “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”  Around the world, Kennedy used ‘missions of peace’ to improve relations.  Under his presidency, the Peace Corps began in 1961 and provided technical, educational and health services to ‘Third World’ countries.  The Alliance for Progress provided economic aid, specifically to Latin America.

 Although the U.S. originally attempted to have peace with Cuba, it soon became clear that would not happen.  Wealthy and middle-class Cubans had fled to Miami to escape Castro’s regime.  Under Eisenhower, some of these exiles had been trained for an invasion of Cuba.  In a failed attempt known as the Bay of Pigs invasion, these exiles and few CIA members were outnumbered and unprepared. ▪ This turned many Cubans against Kennedy.

 Tensions heightened between the two when the CIA discovered the Soviets building missile sites in Cuba.  Kennedy enacted a naval blockade of Cuba (publicly) while working behind the scenes with Krushchev to negotiate a tradeoff.  After 6 days, the standoff between the two ended.  After the Cuban Missile Crisis, public opinion of Kennedy grew, and a “hot line” was installed between the Soviet Union and the U.S.  The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty banning above ground nuclear weapons testing was also signed.

 When Krushchev and Kennedy attended a conference in 1961 aimed at alleviating tensions, the opposite happened.  Krushchev wanted to merge West Berlin with East Germany. However, Kennedy would not give up the zone to occupation.  The Berlin Wall became a visible sign of the tensions, separating East and West Berlin.

Chapter 24, Section 2

 Compared to other politicians, Kennedy appeared youthful, energetic and charismatic.  His presidency was sometimes referred to as ‘Camelot’ because he was the youth that commanded the kingdom.  Kennedy’s advisors came from very prominent jobs and were known as the ‘best and the brightest’.

 Although Kennedy is well-remembered for his foreign policy, he did a lot to improve the U.S. as well.  Kennedy implemented Keynes’ idea of deficit spending to spur the economy.  Kennedy introduced a civil rights bill in 1963, encouraged by the efforts of MLK.  He also increased funding to the space program and committed the U.S to landing a man on the moon by 1970.

 In November of 1963, Kennedy traveled to Dallas, Texas to begin his bid for re-election in  He was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald, although many believed he had an accomplice.  The Warren Commission conducted the investigation into his death and declared that Oswald was the ‘lone killer.’

Chapter 24, Section 3

 Johnson continued Kennedy’s domestic plan of eliminating poverty, in tribute to the fallen president.  He used his persuasive attitude to get the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed;  He pushed a tax bill through adding $1 billion to combat the ‘War on Poverty’;  He passed the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964 which started the Job Corps to provide training to young Americans.

 Johnson’s domestic plan became known as the Great Society. Changes included:  The passage of Medicare and Medicaid, providing medical services to the elderly and the poor;  Increased aid to schools in poorer communities;  Environmental and consumer protection;  New immigration policies benefitting Eastern Europeans.

 Under chief justice Earl Warren, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on several important cases that expanded American rights.  Baker v. Carr (1962)  apportionment based on ‘one man, one vote’  Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)  court-appointed attorney if one cannot be afforded.  Miranda v. Arizona (1966)  accused criminal has the right to be informed of their 5 th and 6 th amendment rights before questioning.  Engle v. Vitale (1962)  prayer in school is not allowed; violates separation of church and state.