Kennedy and the Cold War

1. Chapter 24, Section 1 Kennedy and the Cold War

2. Kennedy and the Cold War • 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.

3. Kennedy and the Cold War • 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.

4. Kennedy and the Cold War • 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.

5. Kennedy and the Cold War • 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.

6. Kennedy and the Cold War • 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.

7. Kennedy and the Cold War • 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.

8. Kennedy and the Cold War • 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.

9. Chapter 24, Section 2 Kennedy’s New Frontier

10. Kennedy’s New Frontier • 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’.

11. Kennedy’s New Frontier • 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.

12. Kennedy’s New Frontier • In November of 1963, Kennedy traveled to Dallas, Texas to begin his bid for re-election in 1964. • 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.’

13. Chapter 24, Section 3 Johnson’s Great Society

14. Johnson’s Great Society • 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.

15. Johnson’s Great Society • 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.

16. Johnson’s Great Society • 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 5th and 6th amendment rights before questioning. • Engle v. Vitale (1962) prayer in school is not allowed; violates separation of church and state.