1960s

Election of JFK

JFK was coached by television producers and appeared more appealing than Nixon, leading to his election in 1961-1963.

Assassination of JFK

Occurred in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963.

Martin Luther King Jr. Arrest

Arrested in Birmingham City Jail on April 12, 1963, while protesting against segregation.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Legislation allowing the US to take necessary measures to prevent attacks in Southeast Asia following attacks on US naval vessels.

Tet Offensive

A series of attacks by the Viet Cong on South Vietnamese towns during a major holiday.

My Lai Massacre

A mass murder of South Vietnamese citizens by US soldiers, later exposed and resulted in punishment for those involved.

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 1962 confrontation over the Soviet Union’s installation of missiles in Cuba.

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

Key civil rights organization known for nonviolent direct action, responsible for the Freedom Rides and March on Washington.

LBJ

Became president after JFK's assassination, also known for his 'Great Society' domestic programs.

Ngo Dinh Diem

President of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Ho Chi Minh

Primary leader of North Vietnam, known for his communist ideology.

Viet Cong

Guerrilla forces from North Vietnam.

James Meredith

First African American student at Ole Miss, faced backlash and required National Guard protection.

Fannie Lou Hamer

Civil rights activist who co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party after being evicted for attempting to register to vote.

Rosa Parks

Known for refusing to give up her bus seat, a pivotal act in the civil rights movement.

Malcolm X

Civil rights activist known for his advocacy for Black rights and empowerment.

Stokely Carmichael

Prominent figure in the civil rights movement and the Black Power movement.

Medgar Evers

Civil rights activist assassinated in 1963, marking a turning point in the movement.

Angela Davis

Civil rights activist and feminist known for her involvement in prison reform.

Betty Friedan

American civil rights activist and feminist author of 'The Feminine Mystique.'