1960s/JFK Vocab

New Frontier – President John F. Kennedy’s domestic policy agenda aimed at addressing economic inequality, civil rights, space exploration, and technological innovation. Though some initiatives, such as increased funding for NASA and the Peace Corps, were successful, many of his proposals, including health care and education reforms, were blocked by Congress.

Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961) – A failed CIA-sponsored invasion of Cuba by 1,400 Cuban exiles aiming to overthrow the communist leader Fidel Castro. Poor planning and lack of U.S. air support led to a disastrous defeat, strengthening Castro’s ties with the Soviet Union and embarrassing the Kennedy administration.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) – A 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet nuclear missiles installed in Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida. After intense negotiations, the crisis was resolved when the USSR agreed to remove the missiles in exchange for the U.S. pledging not to invade Cuba and secretly withdrawing Jupiter missiles from Turkey. The event marked the closest the world came to nuclear war during the Cold War.

U-2 Spy Plane Incident (1960) – The downing of a U.S. U-2 reconnaissance plane over Soviet territory, leading to the capture of pilot Francis Gary Powers. The incident heightened Cold War tensions and led Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to walk out of a summit meeting with President Eisenhower, worsening U.S.-Soviet relations just before JFK took office.

Space Race Under JFK – An intense competition between the U.S. and USSR for dominance in space exploration. In response to the Soviet launch of Sputnik (1957) and Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 spaceflight, JFK vowed in a 1961 speech to put an American on the Moon by the end of the decade, leading to increased funding for NASA and the Apollo program.

Construction of the Berlin Wall (1961) – A concrete barrier built by the Soviet-backed East German government to stop East Germans from fleeing to West Berlin. The wall became a powerful symbol of the Cold War, dividing the city for nearly three decades until its fall in 1989.

Alliance for Progress (1961) – A U.S. foreign aid program under JFK that provided $20 billion to Latin American countries to promote economic development, land reform, and education, aimed at preventing the spread of communism. However, it had limited success due to corruption and resistance from Latin American elites.

Peace Corps (1961) – A volunteer program created by JFK where young Americans were sent to developing nations, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, to assist in education, healthcare, and agriculture, as a way to promote goodwill and counter communist influence.

Flexible Response – JFK’s military strategy that moved away from the “Massive Retaliation” policy of Eisenhower, instead allowing for a variety of military responses to crises, including conventional forces, counterinsurgency troops (Green Berets), and nuclear weapons. This approach aimed to better address conflicts like Vietnam.

Test Ban Treaty (1963) – A treaty signed by the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom, which banned nuclear weapons testing in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater, though underground tests were still allowed. It marked a step toward arms control during the Cold War.

Freedom Rides (1961) – Civil rights activists, known as Freedom Riders, rode interstate buses into the segregated South to test Supreme Court rulings that banned segregation in public transportation. The rides were met with violent resistance, particularly in Alabama, drawing national attention to the need for stronger civil rights enforcement.

War on Poverty (1964) – President Lyndon B. Johnson’s initiative to combat poverty and inequality in the U.S. as part of his Great Society programs. It included programs like Head Start (early childhood education), Job Corps (vocational training), and food stamps.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 – A landmark piece of civil rights legislation that outlawed segregation in public places, banned employment discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or national origin, and strengthened federal enforcement of civil rights laws. It was signed by LBJ after JFK’s assassination and faced heavy resistance from Southern politicians.

Voting Rights Act (1965) – Legislation that eliminated literacy tests and other discriminatory barriers to African American voting in the South. It empowered the federal government to oversee voter registration and led to a dramatic increase in Black voter participation.

Assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem (1963) – The U.S.-backed coup that led to the overthrow and assassination of South Vietnamese leader Ngo Dinh Diem. Diem, a Catholic leader ruling a majority-Buddhist country, had lost support due to oppressive policies and crackdowns on Buddhist protests. His death created political instability in South Vietnam, escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

Assassination of JFK (1963) – President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963, by Lee Harvey Oswald. His death shocked the nation, leading to conspiracy theories and the Warren Commission investigation. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as president hours later.

Rise of LBJ into the Presidency – Following JFK’s assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson became president and used his political expertise and legislative skills to push forward civil rights laws and social programs, capitalizing on the national grief over JFK’s death.

LBJ’s “Treatment” – Johnson’s forceful and intimidating persuasion tactics used to pressure politicians into supporting his legislative agenda. He used personal charm, physical intimidation, and relentless persuasion to pass landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Great Society programs.

Great Society (1964-1965) – LBJ’s ambitious domestic reform agenda that sought to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. It included programs like Medicare, Medicaid, federal funding for education, environmental protections, and consumer rights legislation. Many Great Society programs still exist today.

Medicare/Medicaid (1965) – Two Great Society programs that expanded healthcare coverage. Medicare provided healthcare for seniors (65+), while Medicaid provided healthcare for low-income individuals. These programs significantly reduced the number of uninsured Americans.

Tet Offensive (1968) – A major, coordinated attack by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong on U.S. and South Vietnamese forces during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. Though the U.S. and South Vietnam repelled the attacks, the offensive shocked the American public, showing that the U.S. was not as close to victory as the government had claimed. It eroded public support for the Vietnam War and contributed to LBJ’s decision not to seek reelection.