The 1960s: Kennedy and LBJ

The 1960s Overview

  • Continued prosperity amidst the Cold War
  • Emergence of the Kennedy cult
  • Civil rights tensions and legislation
  • Vietnam War and protests (to be discussed next class)
  • Rise of the permissive society and counterculture
  • Impact of the baby boom on society

John F. Kennedy

  • Background and Election

    • Young, wealthy, and attractive senator from Massachusetts.
    • Selected Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) to balance the ticket.
    • Ran against Vice President Richard Nixon, who was expected to benefit from Eisenhower's popularity.
    • The televised Nixon-Kennedy debate significantly swayed public opinion, contributing to Kennedy's narrow victory (by 100,000 votes).
    • Republicans accused Democrats of election fraud in major cities.

  • Policy Achievements and Failures

    • Kennedy was not as liberal as often portrayed.
    • An inspirational speaker who proposed many initiatives under the "New Frontier," few of which passed until after his assassination.
    • Increased defense spending and investment in space exploration.
    • Founded the Peace Corps and organized the Alliance for Progress to enhance economic development in Latin America.

Cold War Issues Under Kennedy

  • Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961)

    • Launched with the expectation of inciting an anti-Castro revolution in Cuba.
    • The operation failed, embarrassing the U.S. and strengthening Cuban and Soviet positions.

  • Berlin Wall (1961)

    • Erected by East Germany, symbolizing the division of East and West Berlin.

  • Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962)

    • The closest confrontation between the U.S. and Soviet Union, bringing them to the brink of nuclear war.
    • Ultimately, the crisis led to improved diplomatic relations (a thaw in the Cold War).

Kennedy Assassination

  • November 22, 1963
    • Assassinated in Dallas by Lee Harvey Oswald, who was subsequently killed by Jack Ruby.
    • The assassination and its aftermath, including the Warren Commission's investigation, which concluded Oswald acted alone despite many unresolved questions.
    • Numerous conspiracy theories continue to circulate.
    • Despite his brief presidency, Kennedy remains a significant historical figure, with a lasting "Kennedy cult."

Lyndon B. Johnson

  • Leveraged his legislative experience and Kennedy's legacy to pass groundbreaking laws.
  • War on Poverty
    • Established various social programs, including Head Start.
    • Achieved a landslide victory against conservative Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election.
    • Launched the "Great Society" initiative.

The Great Society

  • Key Social Programs
    • Launched the War on Poverty, resulting in the creation of:
    • Food Stamp Program
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Elementary and Secondary Education Act
    • Higher Education Act
    • Established the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
    • Major impacts on the nation's poor, facilitated by a significant expansion of the welfare state.

Civil Rights Legislation

  • Civil Rights Act of 1964

    • Advanced African American rights more dramatically than any other president since Reconstruction.
    • Outlawed segregation in all public facilities.
    • Established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to combat discrimination.

  • 24th Amendment

    • Eliminated the poll tax, removing a financial barrier to voting.

  • Voting Rights Act of 1965

    • Provided federal oversight of elections to ensure fair voting practices.