JFK and LBJ Mr. Koch US History B Forest Lake High School

Election of 1960 Richard Nixon (Rep) John F. Kennedy (Dem) v. Kennedy won extremely close election Overcame concerns about his age/religion TV debates played major role Established young, idealist administration called “Camelot”

“New Frontier” Name for JFK’s domestic programs – Stimulate economy – Aid to poor (not everyone sharing in new prosperity since ’50s) – Build space program Wanted NASA to catch up to Soviets – land on moon July 20, 1969 John Glenn Feb 20, st American to orbit Earth

Nov 22, 1963 JFK assassinated – Warren Commission Lee Harvey Oswald worked alone

Nov 22, 1963 – Some believed in larger conspiracy Jack Ruby kills Oswald

Lyndon B. Johnson Sworn in on Air Force One 90min after JFK died

Lyndon B. Johnson Much less exciting, but passed more legislation “Great Society” – LBJ’s domestic programs – Education – Medical care (Medicare, Medicaid) – War on Poverty – Initially successful, but comes under criticism later Too expensive? Didn’t do enough?

Lyndon B. Johnson Won 1964 election over Barry Goldwater (Rep) by landslide Goldwater considered too radically conservative