APUSH Review: The Stormy Sixties (1960-1968)
Kennedy's “New Frontier” Spirit
Elected in 1960 as the youngest U.S. president.
Era characterized by sexual & civil rights revolutions, youth culture, the Vietnam War, and feminism.
Notable inaugural address emphasized civic duty: "Ask not what your country can do for you…"
Assembled a young cabinet, including Robert Kennedy as Attorney General.
Proposed the Peace Corps for international volunteer service.
The New Frontier at Home
The New Frontier program faced resistance from conservative Democrats and Republicans.
Medical and education reforms stalled in Congress.
Strived to maintain economic stability while addressing inflation.
Troubled by rising steel prices, leading to conflicts with big business.
Launched moon landing project amidst public skepticism.
Rumblings in Europe
Kennedy faced threats from Soviet Premier Khrushchev.
Berlin Wall construction began in August 1961.
The Marshall Plan bolstered Western Europe’s economy.
The Kennedy Round of tariff negotiations enhanced trade relations.
Foreign Flare-Ups and “Flexible Response”
Congo's independence led to violence; UN intervened.
“Flexible response” strategy under Defense Secretary McNamara provided military options for crises.
Established the Green Berets (Special Forces).
Stepping into the Vietnam Quagmire
U.S. involvement grew under Kennedy to support the corrupt Diem government.
Cuban Confrontations
Alliance for Progress aimed to alleviate economic disparities to combat communism.
Bay of Pigs Invasion failed due to lack of air support; increased ties between Cuba and USSR.
Cuban Missile Crisis raised tensions; resolved with a U.S.-USSR agreement and established hot line.
The Struggle for Civil Rights
Kennedy's civil rights actions were initially hesitant despite securing black votes.
Freedom Riders faced violent backlash, drawing national attention.
James Meredith's enrollment at University of Mississippi required federal intervention.
Birmingham protests highlighted racial violence, seen nationwide.
The Killing of Kennedy
JFK assassinated on November 22, 1963, alleged by Lee Harvey Oswald.
Lyndon B. Johnson ascended as president.
The LBJ Brand on the Presidency
LBJ's legacy marked by Civil Rights Act of 1964, ending racial discrimination in public facilities.
His "Great Society" aimed to address poverty and inequality, inspired by the New Deal.
Johnson Battles Goldwater in 1964
LBJ's campaign used Tonkin Gulf Incident to escalate Vietnam involvement.
Won the election in a landslide.
The Great Society Congress
Congress supported Johnson's Great Society initiatives, improving education and healthcare.
Medicare and Medicaid programs established in 1965 to support healthcare for the elderly and needy.
Battling for Black Rights
Voting Rights Act of 1965 eliminated discriminatory voting practices.
National incidents of violence highlighted the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
Black Power
Rise in more aggressive civil rights movements.
Malcolm X and Black Panthers called for immediate action against racial injustice.
Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated in 1968, impacting the movement's momentum.
Combatting Communism in Two Hemispheres
LBJ intervened in the Dominican Republic and escalated Vietnam War involvement.
Vietnam Vexations
Growing discontent in U.S. over Vietnam; protests intensified.
Johnson’s administration faced scrutiny and opposition to the war tactics.
Vietnam Topples Johnson
Casualties led to increased public discontent; LBJ chose not to run in 1968.
The Presidential Sweepstakes of 1968
Democratic nominee Hubert Humphrey vs. Republican Richard Nixon.
Nixon won amidst national unrest over war.
The Obituary of Lyndon Johnson
Returned to Texas after presidency, died in 1973.
Complicated legacy due to Vietnam War involvement.
The Cultural Upheaval of the 1960s
Youth rebellion against traditional values.
Beatnik culture and controversial sexual behavior studies shaped social sentiment.
Counterculture movement sought greater societal freedoms but also led to societal tensions.