JFK & LBJ Test Review

What was the significance of the first televised debates in the 1960 election?

Highlighted the power of TV in shaping public opinion, with JFK’s confident appearance giving him an edge over Nixon.

What were the results of the 1960 election?

JFK narrowly defeated Nixon, becoming the youngest elected president and the first Catholic to hold the office.

What were the goals of JFK’s New Frontier?

Address economic challenges, poverty, and the space race with a progressive vision for America.

What was JFK’s domestic record under the New Frontier?

Increased minimum wage, invested $4.9 billion in urban renewal, and focused on poverty awareness despite struggles in Congress.

What happened during the 1959 Communist revolution in Cuba?

Fidel Castro overthrew the Cuban Government, establishing a communist regime aligned with the Soviet Union.

What was the Bay of Pigs Invasion?

A failed military invasion planned by the U.S. to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba in April 1961.

What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

A 13-day confrontation in October 1962 between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba, leading to heightened tensions and eventual negotiations.

What was LBJ’s Great Society?

A domestic program created by Lyndon B. Johnson aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice, encompassing various social programs and reforms.

What were the key achievements of the Great Society?

Key achievements included Medicare, Medicaid, the Voting Rights Act, and the Civil Rights Act, which aimed to improve healthcare, protect voting rights, and reduce poverty.

What challenges did LBJ face with The Great Society?

LBJ faced various challenges including opposition from conservative lawmakers, funding issues, and rising social unrest related to civil rights and the Vietnam War that diverted attention and resources from domestic programs.

What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution?

A 1964 resolution passed by Congress that granted LBJ the authority to take military action in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war.

What was the Tet Offensive?

A major military campaign during the Vietnam War launched by North Vietnamese forces in January 1968, resulting in significant casualties and a shift in public perception regarding the war.

How did the Vietnam War impact public opinion in the U.S.?

The Vietnam War led to widespread protests and a growing anti-war sentiment among the American public, significantly altering perceptions of government and military involvement.

What was JFK’s New Frontier?

A domestic program introduced by President John F. Kennedy aimed at addressing social issues, promoting civil rights, and boosting the economy through technological advancements.

What were some successes of JFK’s New Frontier?

Key achievements included the establishment of the Peace Corps, advancements in space exploration, and initiatives to improve education and healthcare.

What obstacles did JFK face with his New Frontier policies?

JFK encountered strong opposition from Congress, particularly from conservative members, as well as challenges related to funding, civil rights resistance, and economic downturns.

What goal did John F. Kennedy set for NASA and the U.S. when he became president?

To land a man on the Moon before the end of the 1960s.

What did the government investigation by the Warren Commission conclude about Kennedy's assassination?

It concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating President Kennedy.

What was the result of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The Soviet Union removed their missiles from Cuba, and the U.S. removed their missiles from Turkey.

President Kennedy was assassinated while visiting this American city to campaign for re-election:

Dallas, Texas

What was a significant difference between President Kennedy and his successor, Lyndon Johnson?

Johnson won his election by a landslide and had a strong mandate.

How large was Kennedy's victory in the 1960 election?

Kennedy won by a narrow margin, securing 303 electoral votes to Nixon's 219, with a popular vote difference of just over 100,000 votes. (It was by a very slim margin.)

What best describes the success of Kennedy's domestic policy proposals?

He rarely succeeded in pushing legislation through Congress because he lacked a strong mandate

How did the Soviet government try to prevent citizens living under communism from escaping into the capitalist side of Berlin?

The Soviet government constructed the Berlin Wall in 1961 to stop East Germans from defecting to West Berlin.

What was Kennedy's domestic plan for the country called?

The New Frontier

Kennedy's domestic plans included poverty, the space program, except:

The Environment

Who was accused of assassinating President Kennedy?

Lee Harvey Oswald

Why does LBJ believe we need this "Great Society"?

To allow everyone the opportunity to achieve their best without the setback of their economic situation or race.

Which of the previous programs most likely inspired LBJ to make this Great Society?

The New Deal

What was the nickname of LBJ's Great Society?

The War on Poverty

What was the significance and impact on the first televised debate/election?

The first televised debate in 1960 between JFK and Nixon significantly impacted American politics, highlighting the influence of television on public perception and campaigning. JFK's confident appearance contrasted with Nixon's struggle, helping him secure a pivotal advantage in the election.

What were the results of the 1960 election?

JFK won the presidency, defeating Nixon in a closely contested election that showcased the importance of media, campaign strategy, and voter turnout.