USA 1960-1968 Flashcards

Paper 1 Revision: In Search of the American Dream 1917-1996

USA 1960-1968: Politics

• Kennedy's Leadership:

  • John F. Kennedy (JFK) embodied a celebrity leadership style, marked by powerful rhetoric. His famous line, “Ask not what your country can do for you…,” epitomized this. He represented a change in liberal attitudes.

  • He advocated for an active government role in addressing civil rights issues and poverty.

• Lyndon B. Johnson's Presidency:

  • Following JFK's assassination in 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) assumed the presidency.

  • LBJ achieved significant legislative success through the Great Society program and the "War on Poverty". These initiatives included:

    • Spending programs.

    • New agencies addressing social problems.

    • Medicare and Medicaid: Improved healthcare for older and poorer Americans.

    • Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965): Landmark legislation passed during his tenure.

  • LBJ's Political Style: His effectiveness was attributed to his experience as a former Senate Majority Leader. Personal relationships with senators and the aggressive "Johnson treatment" helped him push his agenda.

• Vietnam War Involvement:

  • Johnson significantly escalated American involvement in Vietnam, increasing troop numbers from 17,000 to over half a million.

  • He misled both Congress and the public about the war's progress.

  • The Vietcong's Tet Offensive in early 1968 exposed the inaccuracy of the claims of progress, impacting public opinion.

• Cultural and Social Tensions:

  • A growing liberal culture clashed with the "New Left," represented by groups like the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).

  • The SDS promoted protests and activist campaigns, challenging the conformity of the 1950s.

  • Anti-war protests and the "stop the draft" movement led to increased tensions with law enforcement.

USA 1960-1968: Economics

• Economic Growth:

  • The 1960s saw continued economic expansion in the USA.

  • The GDP growth was 19\% under Eisenhower and rose to 39\% under Kennedy and Johnson.

  • Poverty rates decreased significantly, from 22\% in 1960 to 12\% in 1969.

• Economic Challenges:

  • By the late 1960s, the economic situation began to decline.

  • The USA faced a budget deficit nearing $\20\text{ billion}.

  • LBJ proposed tax increases in his 1967 budget despite rising inflation of 4.5\%, which reduced Americans' wealth and economic spending.

• Economic Opportunity Act:

  • LBJ's anti-poverty efforts were strained by Vietnam War expenditures. He successfully persuaded Congress to pass the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964.

    • Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC): Provided benefits to 4 million people.

    • Rural loans: Distributed $17\text{ million} in rural loans for small businesses.

• Wealth and Lifestyle:

  • Despite economic challenges, many Americans still felt wealthy.

  • Increased leisure time and access to spectator sports.

  • Cars, refrigerators, televisions, and modern suburban homes were commonplace.

USA 1960-1968: Society

• Civil Rights Successes:

  • Civil rights organizations made substantial progress during the increasingly liberal 1960s.

  • 1960 - Greensboro Sit-ins: Protests at Woolworth’s white-only lunch counter led to the company desegregating.

  • SNCC: The success led to the formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

  • 1961 - Freedom Rides: Organized by SNCC and CORE to challenge segregation enforcement in interstate transport facilities, mandated by Supreme Court rulings.

  • 1963 - Birmingham Protests: Led by MLK, used child protesters. Police Commissioner ‘Bull’ Connor’s violent response (attack dogs and fire hoses) garnered negative attention.

  • 1963 - March on Washington: Displayed civil rights groups' unity, discipline, and widespread support, with over 250,000 attendees.

  • Civil Rights Legislation: LBJ's legislation enforced desegregation in the South.

• Later 1960s and the Rise of Black Power:

  • Growing frustration led to the rise of the Black Power movement.

  • Northern Urban Areas: Remained segregated, despite MLK’s “Northern Strategy”.

  • Stokely Carmichael: Became SNCC leader in 1966. He expelled white members and abandoned non-violence.

  • Black Panthers: Established in 1966. Provided social services (breakfasts, legal advice), educational programs on Black culture, and monitored police for brutality.

• Inspiration and Expansion of Rights Movements:

  • The African American successes inspired other minority groups.

    • Red Power Movement: For Native Americans.

    • Hispanic Rights: Promoted by LULAC and union activity (e.g., Cesar Chavez’s United Farmworkers).

    • LGBT Rights: Increasingly active campaigns.

    • National Organization of Women (NOW): Founded in 1966 by Betty Friedan. Advocated for an Equal Rights Amendment.

    • Women’s Liberation Movement: Grew, though with limited success.