Kennedy and Johnson Era Review

A set of 43 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Kennedy and Johnson era, focusing on domestic policies, civil rights, Cold War events, Supreme Court cases, and the Vietnam War.

Peace Corps

Established in 1961, this program sent American volunteers abroad to aid developing nations.

V.I.S.T.A.

Volunteers in Service to America, designed to help poor communities within the U.S. by providing education, job training, and assistance.

Moon Mission

JFK's goal to land a man on the moon before the end of the 1960s, realized in 1969.

Great Society

LBJ’s broad set of social programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice.

War on Poverty

Initiative within the Great Society, funding programs like Head Start and Job Corps.

Civil Rights Act (1964)

Landmark legislation that banned racial discrimination in public places, employment, and schools.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Supreme Court case ensuring defendants have the right to a court-appointed lawyer.

Voting Rights Act (1965)

Legislation that eliminated literacy tests and barriers preventing African American voting.

Medicare

Federal program providing healthcare to Americans over 65 years old.

Medicaid

Healthcare program for low-income families and individuals.

Bay of Pigs (1961)

Failed invasion of Cuba by U.S.-backed Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

A standoff between the U.S. and USSR over Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

Incident leading to LBJ receiving broad authority to escalate military involvement in Vietnam.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Supreme Court ruling against school-sponsored prayer in public schools.

Warren Commission

Investigative body that concluded Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in JFK's assassination.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Established the requirement for police to inform suspects of their rights.

Escobedo v. Illinois (1964)

Ruled that suspects have the right to an attorney during police interrogations.

John F. Kennedy (JFK)

U.S. president (1961-63), known for his charisma and leadership during the Cold War.

Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ)

Vice president under JFK, expanded civil rights and social programs.

Jackie Kennedy

Wife of JFK, known for her influence on fashion, culture, and historic preservation.

Richard Nixon

Ran against JFK in 1960; became president and ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Fidel Castro

Communist leader of Cuba who opposed U.S. policies.

Nikita Khrushchev

Soviet premier during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Lee Harvey Oswald

Assassin of JFK, later killed by Jack Ruby.

Earl Warren

Chief Justice who oversaw significant rulings on civil rights.

Barry Goldwater

Conservative Republican candidate who ran against LBJ in 1964.

French Colonial Occupation

Period when Vietnam was a French colony before seeking independence.

Dien Bien Phu (1954)

Major battle leading to the withdrawal of French forces from Vietnam.

Domino Theory

U.S. belief that the fall of one country to communism would lead to others following.

Ngo Dinh Diem

Unpopular U.S.-backed leader of South Vietnam, assassinated in 1963.

Napalm & Agent Orange

Chemical weapons used by the U.S. in Vietnam, causing environmental damage.

Tet Offensive (1968)

Surprise attack by North Vietnam that turned U.S. public opinion against the war.

Vietnamization

Nixon’s policy of withdrawing U.S. troops while increasing South Vietnamese responsibility.

Invasion of Cambodia (1970)

U.S. military expansion into Cambodia that sparked protests.

Counterculture/Hippie Movement

Youth movement in the 1960s rejecting traditional values and promoting peace.

Student Protest Movement

College students protested the Vietnam War, particularly after the Kent State shooting.

1968 Democratic Convention

Site of clashes between protesters and police over the Vietnam War.

Daniel Ellsberg

Leaked the Pentagon Papers, revealing government deception about the Vietnam War.

Paris Peace Talks (1968-72)

Negotiations that led to a ceasefire and U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam.

Fall of Saigon (1975)

Event marking the official end of the Vietnam War.

Public Distrust in Government

Outcome of the Vietnam War and events like the Pentagon Papers revealing government dishonesty.

The Draft

The conscription process that led to protests and changes in military service policies.

Hawks vs. Doves

Debate over U.S. involvement in Vietnam; Hawks supported the war, Doves opposed it.