Ch. 22: The Ch. 22: The Kennedy and Kennedy and Johnson YearsJohnson Years

(1961-1969)(1961-1969)

Section 1: The New Section 1: The New FrontierFrontier

The young, dynamic, articulate, and good-looking The young, dynamic, articulate, and good-looking John F. Kennedy took office amidst numerous John F. Kennedy took office amidst numerous challenges (Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, challenges (Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, Poverty struggle, etc.). He promised the nation was Poverty struggle, etc.). He promised the nation was on the verge of a “New Frontier”.on the verge of a “New Frontier”.

The Election of 1960The Election of 1960 John F. Kennedy, a John F. Kennedy, a

Massachusetts Massachusetts Democrat, took on Democrat, took on Republican Richard Republican Richard Nixon.Nixon.

Kennedy was a new Kennedy was a new type of candidate…type of candidate… Roman Catholic (no Roman Catholic (no

Catholic had ever been Catholic had ever been elected President)elected President)

Young, at 43 he would Young, at 43 he would be the youngest be the youngest President ever elected.President ever elected.

Kennedy FamilyKennedy Family

Kennedy Family LegacyKennedy Family Legacy Wealth, Education, Class, CatholicWealth, Education, Class, Catholic America’s Royal FamilyAmerica’s Royal Family

Kennedy CurseKennedy Curse

Kennedy Family TreeKennedy Family Tree

Kennedy VictoryKennedy Victory

Kennedy won the election by a very narrow margin.Kennedy won the election by a very narrow margin. JFK used his youth and charisma to win popularity.JFK used his youth and charisma to win popularity. Debates- contrasts between Nixon and KennedyDebates- contrasts between Nixon and Kennedy

““New Frontier”New Frontier” Kennedy said that the Kennedy said that the

country was at the edge country was at the edge of a “New Frontier”.of a “New Frontier”.

Referred to JFK’s Referred to JFK’s proposals to proposals to Improve the economyImprove the economy Assist the poorAssist the poor Make strides toward civil Make strides toward civil

rightsrights Speed up the space Speed up the space

program (race to the moon)program (race to the moon)

The EconomyThe Economy

Kennedy took office amidst a Kennedy took office amidst a recession.recession.

Had high hopes of creating economic Had high hopes of creating economic growth, but Congress and businesses growth, but Congress and businesses were skeptical of his plans.were skeptical of his plans.

In 1963, he proposed a large tax cut In 1963, he proposed a large tax cut over three years.over three years.

The proposal became stuck in The proposal became stuck in Congress.Congress.

Combating Poverty and Combating Poverty and InequalityInequality

In 1962, Michael Harrington In 1962, Michael Harrington wrote a book, wrote a book, The Other The Other AmericaAmerica, that revealed that , that revealed that 1/5 of Americans still lived 1/5 of Americans still lived below the poverty line. below the poverty line.

JFK had plans for federal JFK had plans for federal educational and medical aid educational and medical aid that also failed in Congress.that also failed in Congress.

He was able to increase He was able to increase minimum wage and passed minimum wage and passed the Housing Act of 1961 the Housing Act of 1961 which provided $4.9 billion which provided $4.9 billion for urban renewal.for urban renewal.

Other Kennedy Other Kennedy InitiativesInitiatives

Despite great Congressional Despite great Congressional opposition, JFK was able to passed opposition, JFK was able to passed orders fororders for Equal opportunity housingEqual opportunity housing Expanded programs for food Expanded programs for food

distribution for needy familiesdistribution for needy families Expanded Social SecurityExpanded Social Security Increased minimum wageIncreased minimum wage

The Space ProgramThe Space Program One of Kennedy’s lasting One of Kennedy’s lasting

impacts was jump-starting impacts was jump-starting America’s space program.America’s space program.

After the USSR’s After the USSR’s launching of Sputnik in launching of Sputnik in 1957, the U.S. created the 1957, the U.S. created the National Aeronautics and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space Administration (NASA)(NASA)

Only during Kennedy’s Only during Kennedy’s Presidency, however, did Presidency, however, did NASA truly “take off”.NASA truly “take off”.

Space RaceSpace Race In 1961, Soviet Yuri In 1961, Soviet Yuri

Gagarin became the first Gagarin became the first human to travel in space.human to travel in space.

Soon afterwards, the U.S. Soon afterwards, the U.S. sent Alan Shepard into sent Alan Shepard into space.space.

Kennedy set another goal, Kennedy set another goal, to beat the USSR to the to beat the USSR to the moon.moon.

In a speech at Rice In a speech at Rice University, JFK gave a University, JFK gave a historic speech calling for historic speech calling for the U.S. to put a man on the U.S. to put a man on the moon. the moon.

Kennedy AssassinatedKennedy Assassinated

On November 22, 1963, John and his wife, Jackie rode in an open On November 22, 1963, John and his wife, Jackie rode in an open limousine through Dallas. limousine through Dallas.

Crowds surrounded the car.Crowds surrounded the car. Shots were fired from a building, killing Kennedy and injuring Shots were fired from a building, killing Kennedy and injuring

Texas Governor, John Connally, also in the car.Texas Governor, John Connally, also in the car.

Lee Harvey OswaldLee Harvey Oswald

News of JFK’s death News of JFK’s death spread rapidly, and spread rapidly, and shocked the nation. shocked the nation.

The prime suspect, Lee The prime suspect, Lee Harvey Oswald, was a Harvey Oswald, was a former marine and former marine and supporter of Cuban supporter of Cuban leader Fidel Castro. leader Fidel Castro.

Oswald was quickly Oswald was quickly apprehended after the apprehended after the incident and taken into incident and taken into custody.custody.

Oswald ShotOswald Shot

Two days later, TV cameras showed Oswald being Two days later, TV cameras showed Oswald being transferred between jails.transferred between jails.

As the TV rolled, Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub As the TV rolled, Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner, stepped through the crowd and shot Oswald. owner, stepped through the crowd and shot Oswald.

Warren CommissionWarren Commission A commission, named after A commission, named after

Supreme Court Chief Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, was Justice Earl Warren, was formed to investigate the formed to investigate the entire incident.entire incident.

They ruled that Oswald had They ruled that Oswald had acted alone and that neither acted alone and that neither he or Jack Ruby were he or Jack Ruby were involved in a conspiracy.involved in a conspiracy.

Conspiracy theories, Conspiracy theories, nonetheless, continue to nonetheless, continue to this day regarding JFK’s this day regarding JFK’s assassination. assassination.

Funeral: Nation/Family Funeral: Nation/Family Stunned Stunned

Section 2: The Great Section 2: The Great SocietySociety

After Kennedy’s death, Lyndon B. Johnson After Kennedy’s death, Lyndon B. Johnson successfully passed a flurry of social welfare successfully passed a flurry of social welfare programs in hopes of combating poverty and programs in hopes of combating poverty and discrimination to create a new “Great Society”discrimination to create a new “Great Society”

President JohnsonPresident Johnson

Less than two hours after Kennedy was pronounced Less than two hours after Kennedy was pronounced dead, Lyndon B. Johnson took oath in Dallas dead, Lyndon B. Johnson took oath in Dallas assumed the presidency. assumed the presidency.

Lyndon Baines JohnsonLyndon Baines Johnson Johnson, or LBJ, was a Johnson, or LBJ, was a

Democrat from Texas, Democrat from Texas, narrowly entered the narrowly entered the Senate in 1948.Senate in 1948.

Became the Senate Became the Senate Majority Leader before Majority Leader before being picked as Kennedy’s being picked as Kennedy’s Vice President.Vice President.

Not as “likeable” as Not as “likeable” as Kennedy but was Kennedy but was ambitious, persistent, and ambitious, persistent, and strategic in passing strategic in passing legislation. legislation.

Legislative PersistenceLegislative Persistence

The Great SocietyThe Great Society

Johnson was able to pass major social reforms that JFK Johnson was able to pass major social reforms that JFK had failed to push through a resistant Congress.had failed to push through a resistant Congress. ““For in our time we have the opportunity to move not only toward the For in our time we have the opportunity to move not only toward the

rich society and the powerful society, but upward toward the Great rich society and the powerful society, but upward toward the Great Society.” -LBJ Society.” -LBJ

-The Great Society referred to major poverty relief, -The Great Society referred to major poverty relief, educational aid, healthcare, voting rights, conservation educational aid, healthcare, voting rights, conservation projects, urban renewal and economic development. projects, urban renewal and economic development.

Election of 1964Election of 1964

Johnson faced Republican Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election. Johnson faced Republican Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election. Goldwater opposed civil rights legislation and thought that Goldwater opposed civil rights legislation and thought that

military leaders should use nuclear weapons as they saw fit.military leaders should use nuclear weapons as they saw fit. Goldwater’s views were unpopular and Johnson won in a Goldwater’s views were unpopular and Johnson won in a

landslide.landslide.

Tax Cuts Tax Cuts

Like Kennedy, Johnson wanted to cut taxes to stimulate the Like Kennedy, Johnson wanted to cut taxes to stimulate the economy. economy.

By agreeing to cut spending as well, he won Republican votes.By agreeing to cut spending as well, he won Republican votes. After the tax cut, GNP rose by 7,8, and 9 percent during the After the tax cut, GNP rose by 7,8, and 9 percent during the

next three years. next three years.

War on PovertyWar on Poverty

LBJ pressed hard on LBJ pressed hard on an antipoverty an antipoverty campaign that campaign that Kennedy was Kennedy was considering.considering.

““This administration, This administration, here and now, here and now, declares declares unconditional war on unconditional war on poverty in America.”-poverty in America.”-LBJLBJ

Economic Opportunity Economic Opportunity ActAct

Passed the Economic Opportunity Act in Passed the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964: provided $950 million for projects 1964: provided $950 million for projects ten different projects that focused on ten different projects that focused on education and work-training programs.education and work-training programs.

Two of the best-known projectsTwo of the best-known projects Head Start- preschool for low-income Head Start- preschool for low-income

families; provides healthcare, nutrition and families; provides healthcare, nutrition and social services.social services.

Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)- Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)- sent volunteers into poor communities. sent volunteers into poor communities.

Aid to EducationAid to Education Elementary and Elementary and

Secondary Education Secondary Education Act: provided $1.3 Act: provided $1.3 billion to aid in states.billion to aid in states.

Aid went to public and Aid went to public and private schools private schools according to low-according to low-income needs. income needs.

LBJ signed it into law LBJ signed it into law in the small Texas in the small Texas school that he grew up school that he grew up in.in.

Medicare and MedicaidMedicare and Medicaid

In 1965, Johnson pushed two major new healthcare In 1965, Johnson pushed two major new healthcare programs through…programs through… Medicare- provides hospital and low-cost medical Medicare- provides hospital and low-cost medical

insurance to Americans age 65+.insurance to Americans age 65+. Medicaid- provides low-cost insurance coverage Medicaid- provides low-cost insurance coverage

to Americans of any age who cannot afford private to Americans of any age who cannot afford private insurance. insurance.

Immigration ReformImmigration Reform

Strict 1920s quotas had greatly limited immigration for 40 years. Strict 1920s quotas had greatly limited immigration for 40 years. The Immigration Act of 1965 lifted many of the quotas. The Immigration Act of 1965 lifted many of the quotas. Set more consistent standards between different Set more consistent standards between different

countries/hemispheres. countries/hemispheres.

Warren CourtWarren Court

During the era, the Supreme Court overturned many old laws During the era, the Supreme Court overturned many old laws and former rulings to establish new law.and former rulings to establish new law.

The Supreme Court began to be referred to as the Warren The Supreme Court began to be referred to as the Warren Court, after Chief Justice Earl Warren.Court, after Chief Justice Earl Warren.

The new rulings often raised strong feelings.The new rulings often raised strong feelings.

Social IssuesSocial Issues In Roth v. United States, In Roth v. United States,

the Warren Court ruled the Warren Court ruled that obscene materials that obscene materials were “without redeeming were “without redeeming social importance.”social importance.”

In 1962, the Court ruled In 1962, the Court ruled that religious prayer in that religious prayer in public schools was public schools was unconstitutional unconstitutional according to First according to First Amendment principle of Amendment principle of separation of church and separation of church and state. state.

Criminal ProcedureCriminal Procedure Many Warren Court rulings were meant Many Warren Court rulings were meant

to protect individual rights against to protect individual rights against government power.government power.

Mapp v. OhioMapp v. Ohio (‘61)- evidence seized (‘61)- evidence seized illegally cannot be used in trial.illegally cannot be used in trial.

Gideon v. WainwrightGideon v. Wainwright (63’)- suspects in (63’)- suspects in criminal cases who couldn’t afford criminal cases who couldn’t afford lawyers had the right to free legal aid.lawyers had the right to free legal aid.

Miranda v. ArizonaMiranda v. Arizona (’66)- suspects must (’66)- suspects must be warned of their rights before being be warned of their rights before being questioned; called the Miranda rule.questioned; called the Miranda rule.

““One Man, One Vote”One Man, One Vote” Over the years, many people Over the years, many people

had moved from rural to had moved from rural to urban areas, yet many state urban areas, yet many state governments hadn’t governments hadn’t reapportioned their votes reapportioned their votes accordingly.accordingly.

Many rural areas, therefore, Many rural areas, therefore, held more power than their held more power than their population should have. population should have.

The Warren Court ruled in The Warren Court ruled in Baker v. CarrBaker v. Carr that each that each district should be divided on district should be divided on the basis of “one man, one the basis of “one man, one vote”. vote”.

Effects of the Great Effects of the Great SocietySociety

The Great Society era was successful in The Great Society era was successful in passing nearly unprecedented amounts of passing nearly unprecedented amounts of social welfare legislation.social welfare legislation.

The legislation itself was controversial.The legislation itself was controversial. Critics believed that too much tax money Critics believed that too much tax money

was going to poor people in programs that was going to poor people in programs that would encourage poor people to become would encourage poor people to become dependent on government aid.dependent on government aid.

Many feared America would become a Many feared America would become a welfare state.welfare state.

Effects of the Great Effects of the Great SocietySociety

Others believed that not enough had been done.Others believed that not enough had been done. Michael Harrington, author of Michael Harrington, author of The Other AmericaThe Other America, noted, , noted,

“What was supposed to be a social war turned out to be a “What was supposed to be a social war turned out to be a skirmish and, in any case, poverty won.”skirmish and, in any case, poverty won.” Less attention was given to the “war on poverty” partly due to Less attention was given to the “war on poverty” partly due to

the escalation of the more formal war in Vietnam (Ch. 24)the escalation of the more formal war in Vietnam (Ch. 24) Despite criticisms, the number of Americans living in Despite criticisms, the number of Americans living in

poverty was cut in half during the late 60s and early 70s; poverty was cut in half during the late 60s and early 70s; Johnson remained proud of Great Society programs. Johnson remained proud of Great Society programs.

Section 3: Foreign Policy in Section 3: Foreign Policy in the Early 1960sthe Early 1960s

JFK faced several major foreign JFK faced several major foreign policy concerns in his short time as policy concerns in his short time as President including standoffs with President including standoffs with the Soviet Union in Germany and the Soviet Union in Germany and Cuba. Cuba.

Fidel CastroFidel Castro

The U.S. was concerned about Cuba since 1959, when communist The U.S. was concerned about Cuba since 1959, when communist Fidel Castro overthrew the U.S.-backed dictator.Fidel Castro overthrew the U.S.-backed dictator.

Castro had seized property owned by U.S. businesses.Castro had seized property owned by U.S. businesses. The U.S. cut ties with Cuba and refused to recognize Castro.The U.S. cut ties with Cuba and refused to recognize Castro. When Castro developed ties with the USSR, the U.S. worried Castro When Castro developed ties with the USSR, the U.S. worried Castro

would create a “domino effect” in Latin America. would create a “domino effect” in Latin America.

A Plan to Overthrow A Plan to Overthrow CastroCastro

When Kennedy became President, he was informed that the CIA When Kennedy became President, he was informed that the CIA was planning an overthrow of Cuba.was planning an overthrow of Cuba. CIA was training a group of Cubans to invade and overthrow.CIA was training a group of Cubans to invade and overthrow.

Kennedy accepted the CIA’s plan/advice despite some people’s Kennedy accepted the CIA’s plan/advice despite some people’s urgings against it.urgings against it.

Bay of Pigs InvasionBay of Pigs Invasion

On April 17, 1961, the attempted invasion/overthrow was a On April 17, 1961, the attempted invasion/overthrow was a catastrophe.catastrophe.

The air strike failed to destroy Cuba’s air force and the U.S.-The air strike failed to destroy Cuba’s air force and the U.S.-backed invaders failed against Cuban troops.backed invaders failed against Cuban troops.

Major blow to America’s imageMajor blow to America’s image Attack appeared incompetent Attack appeared incompetent Their support of an effort to overthrow another nation’s government was Their support of an effort to overthrow another nation’s government was

exposedexposed

Berlin CrisisBerlin Crisis

The separation between East and West Berlin had grown The separation between East and West Berlin had grown increasingly hostile since the Berlin Airlift in 1948.increasingly hostile since the Berlin Airlift in 1948.

Kennedy’s first meeting with Khrushchev in 1961 went poorly.Kennedy’s first meeting with Khrushchev in 1961 went poorly. So as not to appear bullied, Kennedy greatly expanded defense So as not to appear bullied, Kennedy greatly expanded defense

budget and the number of people in active duty.budget and the number of people in active duty.

Berlin WallBerlin Wall In August 1961, In August 1961,

Khrushchev responded Khrushchev responded by building a wall to by building a wall to separate Communist separate Communist East Germany and non-East Germany and non-Communist West Communist West Germany.Germany.

Stopped the flow of Stopped the flow of people leaving East people leaving East Berlin into West Berlin.Berlin into West Berlin.

The Berlin Wall became The Berlin Wall became a symbol of the Cold a symbol of the Cold War.War.

““Ich bin ein Berliner”Ich bin ein Berliner” In response to the wall, In response to the wall,

JFK visited Germany and JFK visited Germany and spoke in Frankfurt spoke in Frankfurt saying, “(we) will risk our saying, “(we) will risk our cities to defend yours cities to defend yours because we need your because we need your freedom to protect ours.”freedom to protect ours.”

Later in Berlin, he Later in Berlin, he concluded a famous concluded a famous speech with, speech with, “Ich bin ein “Ich bin ein Berliner,”Berliner,” meaning, I am meaning, I am a Berliner. a Berliner.

The Cuban Missile CrisisThe Cuban Missile Crisis On October 16, 1962, On October 16, 1962,

photographs were taken photographs were taken that revealed the Soviets that revealed the Soviets building nuclear missile building nuclear missile bases in Cuba.bases in Cuba.

The two weeks that The two weeks that followed were known as followed were known as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Cuban Missile Crisis, a standoff between the a standoff between the U.S. and USSR that U.S. and USSR that brought both countries to brought both countries to the brink of nuclear war. the brink of nuclear war.

Missile RangeMissile Range

OptionsOptions

Kennedy met with aids and quickly Kennedy met with aids and quickly developed the following options.developed the following options. Do nothingDo nothing Meet with KhrushchevMeet with Khrushchev Invade CubaInvade Cuba Blockade CubaBlockade Cuba Bomb the missile sitesBomb the missile sites

Each option had downsides and Each option had downsides and uncertain consequences.uncertain consequences.

Kennedy DecidesKennedy Decides

Kennedy faced one of the most difficult decisions a President has Kennedy faced one of the most difficult decisions a President has had to make.had to make.

He went on the air on Oct. 22He went on the air on Oct. 22ndnd and declared that the U.S. would and declared that the U.S. would quarantine the island, stopping Soviet supplies from entering Cuba.quarantine the island, stopping Soviet supplies from entering Cuba.

ResponseResponse To everyone’s relief, To everyone’s relief,

Khrushchev called back Khrushchev called back ships approaching Cuba.ships approaching Cuba.

Days later he sent a Days later he sent a letter to Kennedy saying letter to Kennedy saying he would remove the he would remove the missiles if Kennedy missiles if Kennedy promised to end the promised to end the quarantine and stay out quarantine and stay out of Cuba.of Cuba.

A second letter A second letter demanded the removal of demanded the removal of U.S. missiles in Turkey. U.S. missiles in Turkey.

Disaster AvertedDisaster Averted

JFK agreed and the world was JFK agreed and the world was relieved that nuclear war had been relieved that nuclear war had been averted.averted.

““We have won a considerable We have won a considerable victory. You and I are still alive.”-victory. You and I are still alive.”-Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, to Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, to JFKJFK

Alliance for ProgressAlliance for Progress The U.S. and Soviet Union The U.S. and Soviet Union

were competing for allies were competing for allies in the developing world, in the developing world, Asia and Latin America. Asia and Latin America.

Kennedy called on all Kennedy called on all people to join in an people to join in an “Alliance for Progress”, “Alliance for Progress”, working together to working together to provide basic needs for provide basic needs for Central and South Central and South American peoples. American peoples.

Pledged $20 billion over Pledged $20 billion over ten years toward economic ten years toward economic development. development.

The Peace CorpsThe Peace Corps

Another hope to win Another hope to win over the hearts of over the hearts of the developing world the developing world was Kennedy’s was Kennedy’s creation of the Peace creation of the Peace Corps.Corps.

The program sent The program sent volunteers abroad as volunteers abroad as educators, health educators, health workers, and workers, and technicians.technicians.