Untitled Flashcards Set

Background on John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK)

Birth and Family Background

• Born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts, into a wealthy and politically influential family.

• His father's wealth came from diverse sources including shipping, real estate, and significant bootlegging during Prohibition, which helped secure the family’s financial status.

• In 1920, to protect the family's fortune from market volatility, his father sold their stock holdings and exited the stock market altogether.

Early Life and Education

• JFK was the second of nine children, and his father had political aspirations for his eldest son, Joe, who tragically died in a plane crash during World War II.

• JFK suffered from Addison’s disease, a serious endocrine disorder, which affected his health throughout his life.

• He attended Harvard University, where he graduated in 1940 with a degree in government, focusing on international relations.

Military Service

• Joined the Navy during World War II and served as the commander of a patrol boat, PT-109.

• Gained fame as a war hero after the boat was sunk by a Japanese destroyer; successfully rescued crew members despite sustaining injuries himself.

• Awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and the Purple Heart for his bravery and leadership.

Political Career

• Served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1947 to 1953, where he focused on foreign relations and national security issues.

• Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1953, where he worked on various issues such as civil rights, foreign policy, and health care.

• Married Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953, projecting a public image of a happy marriage even amid personal and familial struggles.

• The couple had four children; only two survived past infancy, one tragically died in childbirth.

Kennedy Family Incidents

• JFK Jr. died in a plane crash in 1999, sparking nationwide mourning.

• Bobby Kennedy, JFK's younger brother and a prominent political figure, was assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for the presidency.

• Ted Kennedy faced a scandal after being implicated in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969, creating a tumultuous environment for the family.

• A family member reportedly died in a skiing accident in 1984.

• Eunice Kennedy Shriver, JFK’s sister, founded the Special Olympics in 1968 to promote inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

• JFK's life was cut short when he was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.

Election of 1960

Political Parties

• Democratic Candidate: JFK with running mate Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ).

• Republican Candidate: Former Vice President Richard Nixon.

Impact of 1960 Election

• The presidential debates marked a turning point; JFK's charisma, youth, and televised presence contrasted sharply with Nixon's somber demeanor.

• JFK's famous inaugural address included the quote: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," highlighting the importance of civic duty and engagement.

• Ultimately, JFK emerged victorious, becoming the youngest elected president at the age of 43.

JFK’s Cabinet ('The Best and Brightest')

• Formed a cabinet of younger, talented leaders known as 'The Best and Brightest' to reflect modern ideals and policies.

• Key members included:

  • Robert McNamara: Secretary of Defense engaged in escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

  • Dean Rusk: Secretary of State who played a critical role in managing the Cuban Missile Crisis.

  • McGeorge Bundy: Assistant for National Security Affairs, instrumental in foreign policy decisions.

  • Walter Heller: Head of the Council of Economic Advisors, involved in shaping economic policies.

  • Bobby Kennedy (RFK): Served as Attorney General, focusing on civil rights and organized crime.

The New Frontier – JFK's Domestic Agenda

Tax Cuts for Businesses

• Proposed sweeping cuts to corporate and personal income tax, aimed at stimulating economic growth, though the results were mixed.

Increased Defense Spending

• Increased defense spending by 20%, which included investing in Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), nuclear submarines, and establishing the Green Berets for special operations forces.

Space Program Expansion

• In 1962, JFK famously challenged the nation to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade, which galvanized the space race efforts.

• This ambition culminated in the Apollo 11 mission, which successfully landed astronauts on the moon in July 1969, followed by several orbital missions.

Civil Rights Initiatives

• Faced challenges in pushing civil rights legislation due to concerns about losing Southern support; took significant steps, including enforcing federal laws to protect civil rights activists.

• Sent troops to protect Freedom Riders as they challenged segregation laws.

• Significant civil rights events during his presidency included the 1963 Birmingham marches, which highlighted the struggle for racial equality amid violent backlash.

JFK’s Foreign Policy – Flexible Response

• Definition: A strategic approach that offered multiple options for addressing international conflicts, favoring diplomacy alongside military might instead of solely relying on nuclear options.

Major Events Under JFK's Foreign Policy

• Economic Assistance Programs: Developed programs like Food for Peace, Alliance for Progress, and Peace Corps to provide aid to underdeveloped countries, aiming to combat the spread of communism.

• Bay of Pigs Invasion: A failed operation in 1961 intended to overthrow Fidel Castro by utilizing Cuban exiles trained by the CIA, which resulted in significant embarrassment for the United States and damaged JFK's reputation.

• Berlin Wall Crisis: Heightened tensions with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev over access to West Berlin, resulting in the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, symbolizing the divide between East and West.

• Vietnam Involvement: Increased support and resources to South Vietnam, including the deployment of Green Berets, leading to a gradual escalation of U.S. military involvement in the conflict.

• Cuban Missile Crisis: Marked the closest point to nuclear war in October 1962; U2 reconnaissance flights identified Soviet missiles in Cuba, resulting in a tense 13-day standoff.

• The crisis ended with Khrushchev agreeing to withdraw missiles from Cuba in exchange for a U.S. commitment not to invade Cuba, and a secret agreement to remove U.S. missiles from Turkey.

• This incident led to the signing of the Limited Test Ban Treaty and the creation of a direct hotline between Washington and Moscow to facilitate communication.

JFK Assassination Details

• Date and Location: November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas during a motorcade.

• Persons Present: Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and other officials.

• Assassination Details: John F. Kennedy was shot by a total of three bullets fired by a sniper; investigations revealed complex trajectories that caused fatal wounds.

• Assassin: Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested shortly after the assassination; he was killed by Jack Ruby before he could stand trial, fueling conspiracy theories.

• Investigation: The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald acted alone, though debates over the conclusion remain.

• Zapruder Film: A home movie captured the assassination, which became one of the most analyzed pieces of evidence and an iconic representation of that tragic day.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ)

Background

• Born in Stonewall, Texas, in 1908; he began his career as a schoolteacher before entering politics, showcasing his commitment to education and public service.

• Served as a U.S. senator and Senate Majority Leader (1949-1961), known for his legislative skills and ability to navigate complex political landscapes.

• Selected JFK as a running mate in 1960 in hopes of balancing the ticket, bringing Southern voters to the Democratic Party.

Presidency

• Ascended to presidency following the assassination of JFK; famously took the oath of office on Air Force One, signifying a transition of power amid national mourning.

• Known for holding informal meetings often in untraditional settings, such as the bathroom or pool area, displaying a unique interpersonal style characterized by a direct and brusque manner.

Fulfilling JFK’s Legacy

• Instituted significant tax cuts in 1964, aiming to boost the economy.

• Signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, advancing legal protections for racial minorities and addressing years of systemic discrimination.

• Launched the War on Poverty by enacting various programs like VISTA, Job Corps, and Project Head Start, aimed at alleviating economic disparities.

Election of 1964

Campaign Overview

• Democrats: LBJ emerged victorious, effectively carrying on JFK's mantle and expanding upon his initiatives.

• Republicans: Barry Goldwater, a conservative senator from Arizona, ran against LBJ, advocating for a limited government role and more aggressive foreign policy.

The Great Society Initiatives

• Elementary and Secondary Education Act: Provided federal funding for educational resources, ensuring access to quality education for all children.

• Voting Rights Act of 1965: Enabled federal oversight to guarantee access for Black voters in Southern states, significantly impacting voter registration and electoral participation.

• Medical Care Act of 1965: Established Medicaid and Medicare, expanding health coverage for the elderly and low-income Americans.

• Omnibus Housing Act: Allocated substantial federal funds for addressing housing issues, promoting home ownership and combating urban blight.

• Immigration Act of 1965: Removed national origin quotas that had limited immigration based on nationality, prioritizing family reunification and skilled workers.

• Higher Education Act & NEA/H Humanities: Increased support for education and the arts, fostering a commitment to cultural and intellectual development.

• Environmental Legislation: Passed multiple acts focused on improving air and water quality, showcasing a growing awareness of environmental issues.

Challenges to LBJ’s Great Society

• The ongoing Vietnam War increasingly undermined public support for LBJ’s Great Society initiatives, draining resources and diverting attention from domestic issues.