Domestic Policies of Truman and Johnson

A comprehensive set of flashcards focusing on key terms and concepts related to the domestic policies and impacts of Presidents Truman, Kennedy, and Johnson.

Harry Truman

President from 1945-1953 focused on post-war recovery and civil rights.

Dwight Eisenhower

President from 1953-1961 who continued economic growth but faced recessions.

1960 Presidential Election

Election highlighted changing social expectations and new media usage.

John F. Kennedy

Candidate whose campaign was based on fresh ideas and reform.

Richard Nixon

Candidate emphasizing stability and experience as a former Vice President.

Televised Debates

Influential debates where JFK outperformed Nixon, shifting public perception.

Kennedy's electoral votes

Won 303 electoral votes from 22 states with 49.7% of the popular vote.

Nixon's electoral votes

Received 219 electoral votes from 26 states with 49.5% of the popular vote.

U2 Incident

Foreign policy incident that Kennedy used to criticize Nixon's weakness.

Camelot

Optimistic cultural image associated with Kennedy's presidency.

New Frontier

Kennedy's vision for economic revitalization and social reform.

Trade Expansion Act (1962)

Legislation aimed at boosting trade through tariff reduction.

Revenue Act (1962)

Provided tax credits to stimulate investment.

Tax Cuts of 1963

Significant reductions in taxes to promote consumer spending.

Minimum wage increase

Increased minimum wage from $1.00 to $1.25 during Kennedy's term.

Economic Growth Rate

Kennedy achieved a 5.6% growth rate in GNP.

Inflation Rate

Kept low at 1.3% during Kennedy's presidency.

Unemployment Reduction

Decrease from 7% to 5% by 1964 under Kennedy's policies.

Manpower Development Act (1962)

Allocated $435 million for job training programs.

Equal Pay Act (1963)

Enabled equal pay for women but had coverage limitations.

Housing Act (1961)

Funded urban transportation and low-income housing improvements.

Peace Corps

Established by Kennedy to promote social justice through international service.

Space Programme initiatives

Focus on space exploration enhanced under Kennedy's administration.

Omnibus Housing Act

Provided $3.19 billion for housing improvements.

Kennedy's social reforms

Focused on healthcare, education, and civil rights despite limitations.

Social Security increases

Continued increases in social security benefits throughout Kennedy's term.

Birmingham & Washington Marches

Civil rights marches contributing to pressure for legislation.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Outlawed discrimination and established the EEOC.

Voting Rights Act

Aim to secure voting rights for all citizens, particularly African Americans.

Berlin Crisis (1961)

Cold War tension that influenced domestic policy focus.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

Significant Cold War event impacting US national security.

Tax cuts benefits

Often favored affluent individuals over lower/middle classes.

Public works funding request

Kennedy’s initial request for $2 billion for public works projects.

Lyndon Johnson

Kennedy's successor who expanded upon Kennedy's initiatives.

Great Society

Johnson's vision aimed at reducing poverty and improving society.

Poverty Bill of 1964

Allocated $974 million to address poverty issues.

Medicare (1965)

Healthcare program for seniors; part of Johnson's Great Society initiatives.

Civil Rights Movement support

Johnson's administration continued the push for civil rights legislation.

Women’s Movement rights

Johnson supported laws to outlaw gender discrimination.

Consumer Protection Movement

Rise in initiatives during Johnson’s presidency to protect consumer rights.

Vietnam War impacts

Diverted resources and focus from domestic policies during Johnson's presidency.

Tet Offensive

Military event that caused significant decline in public support for Johnson.

Immigration Act (1965)

Ended discriminatory quotas and increased diversity in immigration.

Environmental Legislation

Johnson passed numerous laws for environmental protection during his term.

Legacy of the Great Society

Significant impact but criticisms of its long-term effectiveness.

Kennedy's Assassination

Led to Johnson prioritizing civil rights and social reforms.

Political opposition faced by Kennedy

Limited his ability to pass new civil rights legislation.

Johnson's political persuasion skills

Known as the 'Johnson Treatment,' enabling him to pass legislation.

Response to the Women's Movement

Civil Rights Act included provisions to respond to gender equality issues.

Future of civil rights

Johnson solidified the foundations for ongoing civil rights progress.

Critiques of the Great Society

Historians debate its successes and failures in social reform.

Kennedy vs. Johnson

Kennedy focused on economic issues while Johnson expanded social reforms.

Vietnam War influence on Johnson’s presidency

Resource allocation to Vietnam limited domestic initiatives.

Johnson's electoral mandate (1964)

Won with historic 61% of the popular vote.

Elderly poverty rates reduction

Decreased from 35% to 16% due to Medicare and Medicaid.

Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)

Part of Johnson’s poverty initiative to mobilize young Americans.

Economic challenges at Kennedy's start

Faced a high unemployment rate of 7% upon taking office.

Innovative domestic policy criticism

Kennedy accused of lacking innovation in domestic policies.

Great Society’s long-term limitations

Resource strains from the Vietnam War hindered sustainability.