JFK/LBJ Election

JFK

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States.

Camelot

A term used to describe JFK's presidency symbolizing hope and idealism.

The New Frontier

JFK's domestic program aimed at social reform, including education, health care, and civil rights.

Peace Corps

A volunteer program created by JFK to provide assistance to developing nations.

Equal Pay Act

A law signed by JFK in 1963 aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on gender.

The Warren Court

The Supreme Court under Chief Justice Earl Warren, known for its progressive rulings.

Flexible Response

JFK's foreign policy strategy to address threats through a range of options, not just nuclear weapons.

Bay of Pigs

A failed invasion of Cuba by US-backed Cuban exiles in 1961.

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 13-day confrontation in 1962 between the US and the USSR over Soviet missiles in Cuba.

Berlin Wall

A barrier that divided East and West Berlin, constructed by the Soviet Union in 1961.

Voting Rights

The principles that ensure the ability to participate in elections, highlighted in Reynolds v. Sims.

Miranda Rights

The rights read to a person in custody, originating from the Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona.

Gideon v. Wainwright

A Supreme Court case that established the right to legal counsel for defendants unable to afford an attorney.

Engel v. Vitale

A Supreme Court case that ruled it unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer.

Reynolds v. Sims

A Supreme Court ruling that mandated equal voting districts for fair representation.

1st Amendment

An amendment to the Constitution that protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Political Activism

Active campaigning for political causes or changes in government policies.

Lyndon B. Johnson

JFK's vice president who assumed the presidency after JFK's assassination.

John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

A speech where JFK urged Americans to ask not what their country can do for them, but what they can do for their country.

Televised Debates

Voters witnessed direct debates between candidates for the first time in the 1960 election.

Crisis Over Cuba

Refers to the tensions and consequences of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The Space Race

The competition between the U.S. and USSR to achieve significant milestones in space exploration.

1961 JFK Speech

Kennedy's address where he challenged the U.S. to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade.

Mental Retardation Facilities & Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act 1963

Legislation that provided grants for building mental health centers and training personnel.

Civil Rights Bill

Legislation presented by JFK aimed at addressing racial inequalities.

Glamour of Jackie Kennedy

Jackie Kennedy's status as a style icon who impacted American fashion and culture.

The Kennedy Mystique

The fascination surrounding the Kennedy family and their lifestyle.

Assassination

The murder of a prominent leader, referring particularly to JFK's assassination in 1963.

U.S. Economic Policy

Kennedy focused on improving the economy by investing in defense and creating jobs.

Poverty Reduction Programs

Measures taken by JFK's administration to address poverty through initiatives like the Peace Corps.

Nixon's Coattails

Refers to Nixon's hopes of gaining votes based on President Eisenhower's popularity.

Racial Injustice Investigations

Efforts ordered by JFK to investigate and address civil rights violations.

Women's Rights Movement

The historical campaign seeking equality for women in society and employment.

Kennedy-Johnson Ticket

The 1960 presidential campaign team of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Cuban Exiles

Cubans who fled their country and were trained by the CIA to invade Cuba.

JFK's Legacy

The lasting impact of JFK's presidency on American culture and politics.

JFK's Foreign Policy

Policies established by JFK, focusing on containment of communism and diplomatic solutions.

Nuclear Weapons Proliferation

The spread of nuclear weapons, a significant concern during JFK's presidency.

Berlin Crisis

A critical point in the Cold War marked by tensions over the status of Berlin.

Robert F. Kennedy

JFK's brother and close advisor, who served as Attorney General.

Assassination Conspiracy Theories

Different theories positing that multiple shooters may have been involved in JFK's assassination.

1960s Youth Movement

A cultural shift characterized by protests against societal norms and injustices.

Social Reforms

Changes proposed or enacted to improve social issues, particularly during JFK's presidency.

Economic Challenges

Obstacles faced by JFK's administration in stimulating economic growth and stability.

Kennedy's Media Savvy

JFK's ability to effectively communicate and connect with the public through media.

Tensions with the USSR

The strained diplomatic relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Impact of Television

Television's influence on politics and public perception during the 1960 election.

JFK's Rhetoric

The persuasive and inspirational language employed by JFK during speeches.

Social Responsibility

The idea that individuals and organizations must act for the benefit of society at large.

JFK's Moral Leadership

Kennedy's approach to leadership, focusing on ethics and civic duty.

American Royalty

A term referring to the status of the Kennedy family as cultural icons in the U.S.

Youthful Optimism

The positive outlook promoted by JFK during his presidency.

Cold War Strategy

The diplomatic and military plans employed by the U.S. to counter Soviet influence.

Public Reaction to Assassination

The widespread shock and mourning expressed by Americans after JFK's assassination.

Deteriorating Relations with Cuba

A decline in diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba, especially under JFK.

Military Industrial Complex

The relationship between a country's military and the defense industry that supplies it.

Kennedy's Approach to Civil Rights

JFK's initiatives and policies aimed at improving civil rights for African Americans.

Eisenhower's Legacy

The political and social conditions inherited by JFK from the Eisenhower administration.

Public Health Policies

Laws and initiatives aimed at improving the health and welfare of U.S. citizens under JFK.

Celestial Aspirations

Kennedy's vision for space exploration and dominance in technological advancements.

Historical Impact of the Cold War

The lasting effects and lessons learned from the global tensions between the U.S. and USSR.

Crisis Management

JFK's ability to effectively manage and respond to international crises.

Kennedy's Priority on Education

JFK's goal of increasing federal aid for education during his presidency.

Cuban Relations Post-Kennedy

The developments in U.S.-Cuba relations following JFK's assassination and Cold War efforts.

Economic Stimulus Acts

Legislation intended to boost economic growth, faced challenges during Kennedy's presidency.

Civic Engagement

Encouraging active participation of citizens in societal and political processes.

Democratic National Convention

The event where JFK was nominated as the Democratic candidate for President.

U.S. Withdrawal from Vietnam

The political and military decisions taken during the Kennedy administration regarding Vietnam.

Judicial Activism

Cases decided by the Warren Court that had significant social implications.

Technological Advancements in Space

NASA breakthroughs during the space race, notably achieved under JFK.

Civil Rights Activism

The movement aimed at ending segregation and discrimination against African Americans.

Struggles for Equality

The ongoing fight against various forms of discrimination faced by American citizens.

Kennedy's Political Legacy

The influence JFK's presidency has had on subsequent administrations and political thought.

Kennedy's Personal Charisma

The appeal and charm Kennedy exhibited as a leader, impacting his public image.

Political Landscape of the 1960s

The political climate characterized by social change and activism during JFK's presidency.

Kennedy's Vision for America

JFK's aspirations for a better, more equitable future for all Americans.

Party Lines and Politics

The division of the Democratic and Republican parties during JFK's era.

Public Opinion on JFK

The varying perceptions of JFK by American citizens throughout his presidency.

Legislative Priorities

The focus areas JFK sought to address through proposed laws and programs.

Kennedy's Diplomatic Relations

The strategies and outcomes of JFK's foreign relations during his administration.

Crisis Over Berlin

Tensions and conflicts instigated by the Berlin Wall and Cold War dynamics.

Challenges of the 1960s

The sociopolitical issues and upheavals faced by America during JFK's time.

Legends of JFK

Myths and narratives that have emerged about Kennedy since his presidency.

Kennedy's Popular Culture Impact

How JFK shaped and influenced American culture and media representations.

LBJ Becomes President

Hours after JFK’s assassination, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (from Texas) was sworn in as president.

Major Issues LBJ Faced

Civil Rights Movement

Poverty in America

Vietnam War

Civil Rights Legislation

Civil Rights Act (1964): Prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act (1965): Banned literacy tests and other discriminatory voting practices.

The Great Society

LBJ’s plan to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. Included programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, and HUD.

Economic Opportunity Act (1964)

Created programs to fight poverty:

• Job Corps – Provided job training for young people.

• VISTA – Volunteers in Service to America.

• Head Start – Early education for underprivileged children.

• Community Action Program – Encouraged local anti-poverty efforts.

Education Reform

• Elementary and Secondary Education Act:

  • Provided $1 billion to help public schools buy textbooks and library materials.

  • First major federal aid package for education.

Medicare

Health insurance for the elderly.

Medicaid

Health insurance for low-income individuals and families.

HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development)

Federal agency that oversees housing policies and programs, aiming to improve and develop urban areas in the United States. Funded 240,000 units of low-rent public housing.

1964 Presidential Election

• Democrat: Lyndon B. Johnson

• Republican: Barry Goldwater

  • Goldwater alienated voters by suggesting the use of nuclear weapons in Cuba and North Vietnam.

Immigration Act of 1965

Opened the U.S. to more non-European immigrants.

Water Quality Act (1965)

Required states to clean up rivers and lakes.

Environmental Reforms

LBJ also ordered the government to regulate corporate polluters.

U.S. Involvement in Vietnam

Cold War tensions led to increased military presence in Vietnam under LBJ. This decision was controversial and led to protests.

Miranda v. Arizona

A supreme court case established the requirement for police to inform suspects of their rights before interrogation, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

Engel v. Vitale

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled it unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer and encourage its recitation in public schools, violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.