1. The Kennedy Years ( )

2. The Election of 1960
John F. Kennedy (Democrat) defeated Richard M. Nixon (Republican). Election decided by series of television debates
first Catholic president
Inauguration speech
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country
Promised landing on moon by end of decade
Challenge Soviet bloc to respect human rights

3. The New Frontier Plan for the future
promoted economic expansion by cutting taxes and holding down prices
1962, Kennedy responded to high steel prices by threatening to buy from foreign companies
gained federal aid for public schools; increased funding for space program; Housing act provided 5 billion for urban renewal
Urban renewal was a response to Michael Harrington’s book “The Other America”

4. Crisis in Cuba Foreign policy - containment Bay of Pigs (April 1961)
cuban exiles invaded island at Bay of Pigs
mission collapsed and failed
embarrassed Kennedy and CIA

6. Cuban Missile Crisis
Soviet Union placed nuclear weapons in Cuba
Kennedy ordered missiles removed
US placed an embargo on ships bound for Cuba
Crisis ended after two weeks when Soviet agreed to remove weapons on the condition the US removed weapons from Turkey

8. The Peace Corps
help nations fight poverty and disease
prevent spread of communism by improving quality of life
workers assisted underdeveloped nations
Challenges from Soviet Union
Berlin Wall
Soviets built wall dividing Berlin
prevented people from escaping to W. Berlin
became symbol of cold war divisions between E and W

9. Assassination of President Kennedy
November 22, 1963 Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas
Oswald assassinated by Jack Ruby two days later
1964, the Warren Commission concluded that Oswald acted alone. However, many believe their was a conspiracy
Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency