1960s U.S. Politics, Civil Rights, and JFK's Presidency

Who ran in the Presidential election of 1960?

Democrat John F. Kennedy v. Republican Richard Nixon.

What technology influenced JFK's victory in the debates of 1960?

Television

Why was JFK's religion an issue for some voters?

Kennedy's Catholic faith

What was the name of JFK's domestic agenda?

The New Frontier

What were three aspects of JFK's New Frontier agenda?

Increased military spending and space exploration, focus on the disabled and mentally ill, federal action against racial and gender discrimination.

Who was Yuri Gagarin?

The first person to orbit Earth.

What was the outcome of Engel v. Vitale?

States could not compose official prayers and require those prayers to be recited in public schools.

What was the outcome of Gideon v. Wainwright?

A defendant in a state court had the right to a lawyer, regardless of ability to pay.

What was the outcome of Miranda v. Arizona?

Authorities must inform suspects of their rights, including the right to remain silent and to have a lawyer.

What was the idea behind JFK's Flexible Response?

To combat the Soviet threat without using nuclear weapons.

Why was the Peace Corps established?

To provide humanitarian aid to developing nations.

What special forces were created during JFK's presidency?

Elite special forces (Army) group used during the Cold War.

Why was the Berlin Wall created?

To separate East and West Berlin.

Who was Fidel Castro?

The Communist dictator in Cuba.

What was the Bay of Pigs?

An invasion of Cuba by CIA-trained Cuban Rebels authorized by President Kennedy.

How did the Bay of Pigs mission end for the U.S.?

The mission failed, and the rebels were captured.

What initial concern led to the US Cuban Missile Crisis?

U.S. intelligence planes spotted a nuclear missile in Cuba.

What three agreements ended the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Soviets removed missiles, U.S. removed missiles from Italy & Turkey, U.S. promised to leave Cuba alone.

Where was President Kennedy assassinated?

Dallas, Texas

Who assassinated President Kennedy?

Lee Harvey Oswald

Who killed Lee Harvey Oswald?

Jack Ruby

Who became president after JFK's assassination?

Lyndon B. Johnson

What was The Great Society?

President Johnson's plan to end poverty, protect consumers, end racial segregation, and fund education programs.

What does Medicare provide?

Health insurance for senior citizens financed through Social Security.

What does Medicaid provide?

Health and medical assistance to low-income families.

What did Project Head Start do?

Funded a preschool program for disadvantaged children.

What did Housing and Urban Development do?

Foster healthy communities and affordable housing.

What did the Clean Air and Water Quality Act do?

Supported development of standards for water and air quality.

What did the Fair Packaging and Label Act do?

Requires consumer products to have true and informative labels.

What are some legacies of the Great Society?

1. Some still exist today.

2. Gave more attention to how the federal government could help disadvantaged citizens.

• Cons

1. Some programs fell short of expectations and were expensive.

2. Many people opposed more federal government involvement in people´s lives.