JFK and the New Frontier Aim: How did the presidency of John F. Kennedy impact the United States?

Kennedy’s Background Wealthy Family that expected public service. 43 years old Roman Catholic Charismatic and highly appealing to American Public. Lacked political experience

Election of 1960 Democratic Nominee-John F. Kennedy Republican Nominee-Richard B. Nixon Economy was in recession Cold war: Were we winning?

Televised Debates Ist ever televised debate 70 million viewers Kennedy appeared confident and at ease. Launched a new area of politics: the television age.

The Results

Inauguration Speech “And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country.”

Camelot Years JFK’s youth, glamour and his talented advisors were compared to the mythical court of Camelot and King Arthur. His wife, Jacqueline and his young children: Caroline and JFK Jr. Called for hope, commitment and sacrifice.

Civil Rights MLK Jr. arrested at a sit- in and sentenced to hard labor. Kennedy and his brother, Robert, persuaded judge to release MLK. Captured the attention of many African Americans and won their vote

New Frontier His vision for America Hard time passing his proposal through Congress because of a conservative coalition.

New Frontier Goals Provide medical care for elderly Rebuild urban areas Education Bolster national defense Increase international aid Expand space program

Berlin Wall When the Soviets threatened to take over West Berlin, JFK reinforced the military presence in the area, leading to the construction of the Berlin Wall, which eased pressures on both sides.

Berlin Wall Divided Berlin in half Became an ugly symbol of oppression

Building up Defense JFK’s policy of Flexible Response Build-up of the nation’s conventional forces (non-nuclear forces) Created an elite branch of the Army The Special Forces or The Green Berets

Peace Corps Created the Peace Corps in 1961, an organization that trained volunteers to help underdeveloped countries by providing social and humanitarian services. Created the Peace Corps in 1961, an organization that trained volunteers to help underdeveloped countries by providing social and humanitarian services.

Alliance for Progress Offered economic aid to Latin American countries $12 Billion dollars An attempt to contain Communism.

Space Race After successes such as the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik in 1957, Kennedy pushed the race to put a man on the moon, nicknamed the “Space Race,” by encouraging the growth in the studies of math and sciences in the public education system.

Bay of Pigs April 1961 Kennedy learned of a CIA plan to overthrow Castro by Cuban exiles in the Bay of Pigs. Failed due to unanticipated military support of the Soviet Union A Humiliated Kennedy paid ransom to free exiles.

Cuban Missile Crisis After receiving info that Soviets, under Khrushchev, were building nuclear missile sites on Cuba, JFK imposed a blockade on the ships and demanded a removal of the missiles, leading to a brief, intense standoff that could have resulted in nuclear war. After receiving info that Soviets, under Khrushchev, were building nuclear missile sites on Cuba, JFK imposed a blockade on the ships and demanded a removal of the missiles, leading to a brief, intense standoff that could have resulted in nuclear war.

Easing Tensions Hot line: Direct phone line that linked the White House and the Kremlin. Limited Test Ban Treaty: barred nuclear testing in the atmosphere.

Tragedy in Dallas JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963 on a visit to Texas. His shooting is still a source of disagreement among many, but Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the crime, and was assassinated himself shortly thereafter. JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963 on a visit to Texas. His shooting is still a source of disagreement among many, but Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the crime, and was assassinated himself shortly thereafter.

How successful were the New Frontier programs? Often blocked in Congress Some headway with economic problems Raised minimum wage Stabilized steel prices Economy stimulated by increased spending for defense and space exploration Housing Act of 1961 provides $4.9 billion for urban renewal 24 th amendment (poll tax) set in motion, but not ratified until 1964