JFK and His Presidency

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to JFK's presidency and events during his administration.

JFK

35th president of the US serving from 1961 to 1963, known for his youth and charm.

Camelot

A reference to JFK's administration, representing idealism and optimism.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

A failed 1960 military invasion of Cuba undertaken by CIA-trained Cuban exiles, aiming to overthrow Fidel Castros communist government.

failure - due to JFKS refusal to send support to ensure America remained anonymous in the operation. JFK furious as CIA, threatened to “scatter them to the winds”

Bay of Pigs Invasion- Outcomes and Possible Motives

JFK removed - CIA director Allen Dulles, Deputy Director general and Deputy Director of plans.

Created tensions- Mayor of Dallas, his brother was fire

Tensions between America and Cuba, as well as Mafia

Enemies with the Cuban soldiers he abandoned

Disappointment of American citizens

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 13-day confrontation in 1962 between the US and Soviet Union over Soviet missiles in Cuba. JFK imposed a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent missile shipments. After negotiations between Soviet leader khruschev, missiles were removed in exchange for US promise not to invade Cuba, removal of secret missiles from Turkey

Cuban Missile Crisis - Outcomes

American population believed he was becoming ‘soft on communism’

Achieved removal of USSR missiles in Cuba (within striking distance of US)

Minimised threat of the Cold War

Support of South Vietnam

JFK sent 1000 military advisors to assist the South Vietnamese army. During his presidency, South Vietnamese president Diem was killed. 

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation aimed at ending segregation and discrimination in various aspects of public life.

Space Race

Competition between the US and Soviet Union to achieve significant milestones in space exploration.

Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

An agreement signed in 1963 to prohibit the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere.

Lee Harvey Oswald

The accused assassin of JFK, believed to be a loner with connections to communism.

Warren Commission

A commission led by Chief Justice Earl Warren to investigate the assassination of JFK.

Criticisms- decided in advance that LHO was the lone killer

Jack Ruby

The nightclub owner who killed Lee Harvey Oswald two days after JFK's assassination.

House Select Committee on Assassinations

A committee formed in 1976 to investigate the assassination of JFK due to the growth of conspiracy theories challenging the commissions findings, concluding that there was a "probable conspiracy" in JFK's assassination